Investigating gratitude through coach-athlete relationships and student-athlete burnout

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationships between coach-athlete relationships, athlete burnout, and gratitude among NCAA student-athletes. Participants (N=596) from NCAA Divisions I (n=305), II (n=202), and III (n=89) institutions completed a survey comprised of six questionnaires. Correlational analysis revealed significant correlations (p0.001) between the following variables. Coach-athlete relationships and sport-specific state gratitude (r=0.500) were moderately correlated. Athlete burnout and sport-specific state gratitude (r=-0.667) were negatively correlated with moderately high strength. Trait gratitude and general state gratitude (r=0.422) were moderately correlated while trait gratitude and sport-specific state gratitude (r=0.324) had a low strength correlation. The relationship between athlete burnout and trait gratitude was low (r=-0.234), revealing a slightly stronger relationship than previous findings (Gabana, Steinfeldt, Wong, Chung, 2017). Results are consistent with previous research on burnout and gratitude in sports (Chen Kee, 2008; Gabana et al., 2017). This study is the first to examine coach-athlete relationships and gratitude, as well as adapt the Gratitude Adjective Checklist (McCullough et al., 2002) for use in a sport-specific context. Results suggest that gratitude may serve as a buffer against athlete burnout, and that strong coach-athlete relationships may increase athlete gratitude. Further research is needed to determine best practices for gratitude interventions and coach-athlete relationship development.