The relationship between self-oriented perfectionism and athlete burnout: a longitudinal study

Athlete burnout is a critical psychological concern, and perfectionism-characterized by excessively high standards and self-critical tendencies-may play a role in its onset. However, prior findings on the link between self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) and burnout remain inconsistent, and the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood.

This longitudinal study employed a Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) to examine reciprocal associations between SOP and athlete burnout, as well as the mediating role of loneliness. A total of 422 athletes (M _age = 19.74, SD = 1.77) completed three waves of assessments between June 2024 and June 2025.

SOP significantly predicted subsequent athlete burnout (SOP_T1 → AB_T2: β = 0.355, p < 0.001; SOP_T2 → AB_T3: β = 0.374, p < 0.001). Loneliness emerged as a significant mediator: higher SOP predicted increased loneliness (β = 0.376, p < 0.001), which in turn was associated with greater burnout (β = 0.265, p < 0.01). The indirect effect was significant (β = 0.099, 95% CI [0.033, 0.209]). Notably, no evidence supported a reverse pathway from burnout to subsequent SOP.

SOP is a longitudinal risk factor for athlete burnout, partly through its contribution to heightened loneliness. Preventive interventions that enhance social and coach support, alongside resilience-building strategies such as mindfulness, may help reduce vulnerability to burnout in athletes.