A “SPRINGBOARD” IN THE STUDY OF BURNOUT IN ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL MODEL IN ELITE GYMNASTS

Burnout in sport has implications for health and performance. The phenomenon has not been investigated in artistic gymnastics, although this sport is at risk. This study evaluated risk and protective factors by integrating a model that considered motivational, personality, and social aspects. Cross-sectional data were collected in nearly the entire population of élite female athletes in the area of Rome, Italy (N = 71; Meanage =13.4 years), and VB-SEM analyses showed an ideal model fit (GoF = 0.393; APC = 0.380, p < 0.001; ARS = 0.292, p < 0.01; AFVIF = 1.996). The guiding hypotheses were confirmed: Supportive coaching showed positive and negative relations with perfectionistic strivings and concerns, respectively. Coaches’ controlling behaviors only had a positive relation with perfectionistic concerns. Furthermore, perfectionistic strivings and concerns respectively exhibited positive and negative relations with basic psychological needs. In turn, these showed positive relations with enjoyment, and the latter showed a negative relation with burnout. The findings suggest moving forward in understanding the psychological experiences of athletes practicing artistic gymnastics, focusing in particular on the role coaches may have and on athletes’ awareness of the risk of burnout symptoms (i.e., exhaustion, a reduced sense of accomplishment, and sport devaluation).