Factors for Burnout in High School Coaches

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the degree of burnout experienced by head varsity high school coaches based on sports classifications coached.

Methods

Burnout was assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) subscales of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. The dependent variables in this study were the MBI scores on the subscales of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. The independent variables were sport classification coached (minor, major, or both) and status as a current or former head varsity high school coach.

Analysis/Results

The sample included 124 high school coaches in Florida. A 2 X 3 ANOVA was conducted on sport classification and status as a current or former varsity head coach. Each MBI subscale was analyzed using a separate ANOVA. Based on the computed values a 2 X 3 analysis revealed a significant main effect of coaching status, F(1, 118) = 8.575, p < 0.05, and a significant interaction, F(2, 118) = 4.563, p < 0.05; however, no significant main effect of sport classification, F(2, 118) = 1.350, p > 0.05, on the subscale of personal accomplishment. The Chi-Square analysis indicated that there was a significant relationship between sport classification coached (minor, major, or both) and level of emotional exhaustion; That is, a higher level of burnout on the MBI subscale of emotional exhaustion was more likely to be experienced by minor sport coaches than major sport coaches or coaches who coached both sports classifications of sports, x2 (4, N = 124) = 3.5, p < 0.05. A significant relationship was found based on the Chi-Square analysis between the variables of sport classification coached (minor, major, or both) and the level of burnout on the MBI subscale of depersonalization; That is, a higher level of burnout on the MBI subscale of depersonalization was more likely to be experienced by minor sport coaches than major sport coaches or coaches who coach both classifications of sports, x2 (4, N = 124) = 11.3, p < 0.05.

Conclusions

The results of the study indicated that the type of sport coached is a major factor in the level of burnout experienced by both current and former head varsity coaches. These findings highlight the importance of burnout in high school coaches and the central role that job stress plays in attrition and turnover in the coaching profession.