Author Identifier

Clare McCall

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2744-5697

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Master of Medical and Health Science by Research

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

First Supervisor

Caitlin Fox-Harding

Second Supervisor

Amanda Devine

Abstract

Gymnastics is deemed a psychologically demanding sport, with associated risk factors of burnout and performance anxiety. To date, relatively little research has explored the specific goal and perfectionistic processes of gymnasts, despite these risks. This body of work identified the specific goal-related constructs and perfectionistic orientation of young athletes and examined how these associated with burnout and performance anxiety. It comprised of two studies with a mixed methods design. The first study aimed to systematically review literature investigating how goal-related constructs and perfectionism associate with burnout and performance anxiety in young athletes. This review focused on summer and winter Olympic sports which young athletes participate in. In summary, our main findings from the studies (k = 11) were: (1) ego goal orientation is positively associated with performance anxiety generally, but not conclusively; (2) mastery goal orientation is negatively associated with performance anxiety generally, but not conclusively; (3) self-oriented perfectionism is positively associated with performance anxiety; (4) socially prescribed perfectionism is positively associated with performance anxiety; (5) self-oriented perfectionism is negatively associated with burnout, (6) socially prescribed perfectionism is positively associated with burnout and (7) mastery-approach goals and mastery-avoidance goals do not predict burnout, whereas ego- avoidance goals do predict burnout. The second study presented the findings from the first study to gymnastics stakeholders within a focus group (n = 4), in order to provoke discussion leading to coaching recommendations to the leading gymnastics body in Western Australia, Gymnastics WA. A thematic analysis of the transcript from the focus group meeting was produced. In summary, the main themes were (1) improving culture; (2) verbal communication; (3) parent-coach-gymnast alignment; (4) relationship building and mentorship; (5) education and wellbeing. These findings were elaborated on and formed the basis of a written report. This body of work is of current significance to its main stakeholder GWA, who emphasised a need for coach education to support gymnast wellbeing in their 2022-2026 strategic plan. The research may be of interest to other sports organisations that place a high value on cultivating healthy mindsets in young athletes through coach training in psychoeducation. Both studies contribute to the sport psychology literature on goal constructs, perfectionism and their associations with burnout and performance anxiety.

DOI

10.25958/fv6h-8772

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