The relationship between perfectionistic cognitions and burnout in rugby league

The relationship between perfectionistic cognitions and athlete burnout in junior elite rugby league players.  

Abstract

The aim of this study was to further develop the body of knowledge in relation to the relationship between the frequency of perfectionistic cognitions and athlete burnout and its dimensions, and to expand on the study by Hill and Appleton (2011). It is the intension to further examine if perfectionistic cognition frequency is beneficial in predicting burnout in young athletes. Ninety-five academy and reserve level rugby league players from 3 English Super League clubs were recruited for the study. A number of the participants had first team playing experience at their respective clubs and also international experience. The sample group were all male- aged 16-20 (Mean=17.914. SD= ±1.21). The participants had played rugby league between 1 and 15 years (Mean=9.1868. SD= ±2.92) and had been at their respective clubs between 0 and 11 years (Mean=3.037. SD= ±2.20). On a 9-point Likert scale (1= not at all important, 9= extremely important) the players reported their perceived importance of rugby in their life, when compared to other activities, as rating between 4 and 9 (Mean=8.3467. SD= ±0.87). The participants completed the multi-section questionnaire that included measures of symptoms related to athlete burnout perfectionistic cognitions prior to their training session. The findings of the study suggest that dimensions of burnout can have a significant relationship with perfectionistic cognitions. Perfectionistic cognitions should therefore be considered when assessing burnout in young athletes, as well as considering interventions that are aimed at reducing perfectionism related burnout. 

This was the study I did for my undergraduate dissertation. Having experience burnout myself and worked with a number of young elite rugby league players I feel it is important for clubs to recognise the danger of player burnout and the effects it can have. Personally I think that its important for conditioning coaches to have a good knowledge of burnout and its symptoms, to recognise when a player may be suffering from burnout or showing signs of perfectionistic cognitions so that something can be done to prevent the detrimental effects of these serious issues.

Any questions on burnout and perfectionistic cognitions and just about the study please feel free to drop me a question on Twitter @JM_Conditioning.