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The relationship between self-oriented perfectionism and athlete burnout: a longitudinal study
Yuantai Fu1, Xingyi Li2, Junjun Sun3
1Department of Marine Sports, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
Frontiers in Psychology
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) predicts athlete burnout over time, with loneliness acting as a key mediator. These findings highlight the need for interventions supporting athlete mental health and resilience.
Area of Science:
- Sports Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Athlete burnout is a significant psychological issue.
- Perfectionism, particularly self-oriented perfectionism (SOP), is implicated in burnout.
- The precise relationship and underlying mechanisms between SOP and athlete burnout require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal, reciprocal associations between self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) and athlete burnout.
- To examine the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between SOP and athlete burnout.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study utilizing a Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM).
- Data collected from 422 athletes across three assessment waves over one year.
- Analysis focused on reciprocal relationships and mediation pathways.
Main Results:
- Self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) significantly predicted subsequent athlete burnout.
- Loneliness was identified as a significant mediator, with higher SOP leading to increased loneliness, which in turn predicted greater burnout.
- No evidence was found for a reciprocal effect of burnout on subsequent SOP.
Conclusions:
- Self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) is a longitudinal risk factor for athlete burnout, partly mediated by increased feelings of loneliness.
- Interventions aimed at enhancing social support, coach support, and resilience skills like mindfulness may mitigate burnout risk in athletes.
Keywords:
athlete burnoutlonelinesslongitudinal studyrandom-intercept cross-lagged panel modelself-oriented perfectionismMore Related Videos
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