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The relationship between psychological capital and athlete burnout: the mediating relationship of coping strategies and the moderating relationship of perceived stress

BMC Psychology volume 13, Article number: 64 (2025) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Athlete burnout represents a critical concern in sports psychology, significantly affecting athletes’ well-being and performance. This study examined the relationships among psychological capital, coping strategies, perceived stress, and athlete burnout.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 344 athletes, and data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 25.0 and PROCESS Macro v4.1 for hierarchical stepwise regression and moderated mediation analysis. Control variables included age, gender, sport type, and competitive experience.

Results

The results revealed that psychological capital negatively associated with burnout both directly (\(\beta\) = -0.539, p < 0.01) and indirectly (a*b = -0.803, p < 0.01) through coping strategies. Furthermore, perceived stress influenced both the relationship between psychological capital and coping strategies and the indirect effect of psychological capital on burnout via coping strategies. Notably, under high-stress conditions, the negative association of psychological capital was more pronounced, with a more substantial indirect effect compared to low-stress conditions (\(\beta\) = -1.020, p < .01 vs. \(\beta\) = -0.299, p < .01).

Conclusions

These findings underscore the importance of cultivating psychological resources and adaptive coping mechanisms to mitigate burnout, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing the well-being of athletes, particularly those experiencing elevated stress levels.

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Introduction

Considered a severe mental health issue, athlete burnout not only jeopardizes athletes’ careers but also poses a considerable challenge to the overall development of sports. Research indicates that approximately 1–5% of elite athletes experience severe symptoms of burnout [1]. Athlete burnout refers to an imbalance between an athlete’s personal resources and environmental demands, resulting in immediate and temporary physical and mental stress responses. This condition is characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, a diminished sense of accomplishment, and a devaluation of sport [2]. These symptoms collectively can lead to a range of negative consequences, including decreased athletic performance, increased risk of injury, and diminished well-being [3]. In extreme cases, burnout may even result in the premature end of an athlete’s career [4,5,6]. Recent research has demonstrated that burnout significantly impairs athletes’ mental health, manifesting as increased anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, which in turn can further deteriorate their competitive performance [7]. Psychological capital, as a positive psychological resource, has been shown to play a protective role in maintaining athletes’ mental health and enhancing their sports performance [3]. Studies have found that athletes with higher levels of psychological capital demonstrate better stress management, improved recovery from setbacks, and sustained high-level performance [8]. Moreover, the relationship between psychological capital and sports performance is partially mediated by reduced burnout symptoms, suggesting that psychological capital may enhance performance by helping athletes maintain optimal psychological states and prevent burnout development [9].

Given the increasing prevalence of burnout among elite athletes and its detrimental impact on both performance and well-being [10], understanding the protective role of psychological resources and adaptive coping strategies has become particularly crucial. The etiology of athlete burnout involves a complex interplay of physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. Various contributing factors have been identified, including excessive training load, intense performance pressure, insufficient recovery time, and lack of social support [11, 12]. While external stressors play a significant role, recent scholarship has shifted its focus toward exploring internal psychological resources that may serve as protective factors. In this context, the concept of psychological capital-comprising hope, optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy-has emerged as a promising area of research [13]. This construct, rooted in positive psychology, offers new insights into how athletes’ internal resources can buffer against the development of burnout symptoms. Furthermore, athletes’ coping strategies are recognized as critical mediators in the relationship between stress and burnout [14]. An athlete’s ability to effectively manage and adapt to challenges through appropriate coping mechanisms may significantly influence their susceptibility to burnout. Concurrently, an athlete’s perceived stress level serves as a significant moderator that can amplify or attenuate the effects of other variables on burnout outcomes [15]. The intricate interplay between psychological capital, coping strategies, and perceived stress levels presents a compelling theoretical framework for understanding the psychological dynamics underlying burnout in athletes.

The present study aims to elucidate the complex relationship between these constructs by examining the effects of psychological capital on athlete burnout, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of coping strategies and the moderating effects of perceived stress. By adopting this integrative approach, we seek to contribute substantially to the existing knowledge on athlete burnout and provide a theoretical rationale and practical guidance for developing targeted interventions.

The effect of psychological capital on athlete burnout

Psychological capital, a construct derived from positive organizational behavior, has emerged as a critical factor in understanding and mitigating athlete burnout. Research has consistently demonstrated a negative correlation between psychological capital and burnout across various professional fields, including sports [16, 17]. In elite sports, psychological capital is a buffer against chronic stress and its detrimental effects, potentially reducing the likelihood of burnout development [18, 19].

Comprised of four interrelated psychological resources-hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism [20]-psychological capital represents a positive state of psychological development that can significantly influence an athlete’s response to stress and challenges. Hope, characterized by goal-oriented thinking and the ability to generate alternative pathways to achieve desired outcomes, enables athletes to maintain motivation and perseverance in adversity [21]. Self-efficacy, the belief in one’s ability to execute the actions necessary for achieving specific performance goals, enhances an athlete’s confidence in overcoming challenges and meeting performance expectations [22]. Resilience, defined as the ability to recover from setbacks and adapt to change, is particularly crucial in the high-pressure environment of competitive sports. It enables athletes to maintain psychological balance in adversity [15]. Optimism, characterized by the tendency to expect positive outcomes, contributes to a more constructive interpretation of stressful events, potentially mitigating the negative cognitive appraisals associated with burnout [17]. The synergistic effect of these four components of psychological capital equips athletes with a robust psychological foundation to cope with the various demands of their sport. By cultivating a positive mindset and enhancing coping resources, psychological capital may reduce the perceived threat of stressors, thereby alleviating emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and the decline in personal fulfillment-the hallmark symptoms of burnout [2]. Furthermore, the malleability of psychological capital indicates that targeted interventions to enhance these psychological resources may be an effective strategy for preventing and addressing athlete burnout [9]. Conservation of Resources Theory (COR) posits that individuals tend to acquire, maintain, and protect valuable resources, and the loss or threat of these resources can lead to stress and burnout [23, 24]. Therefore, athletes with higher psychological capital are more likely to establish and sustain other valuable resources, creating a positive resource spiral that effectively prevents the onset of burnout [25].

Mediating role of coping strategies

The relationship between psychological capital and athlete burnout is not merely a direct link but a complex interaction mediated by various psychological processes. Among these processes, coping strategies serve as a crucial mediator that connects athletes’ psychological resources to their experience of burnout symptoms. Coping strategies, defined as individuals’ cognitive and behavioral efforts to manage specific external and internal demands perceived as stressful or beyond one’s resources [26], play a significant role in how athletes navigate stressors and their subsequent vulnerability to burnout. Recent research has highlighted the differential impact of various coping strategies on the relationship between psychological capital and burnout. Problem-focused coping strategies, which actively seek to alter the stressor, have enhanced the protective effect of psychological capital against burnout [27, 28]. These strategies are typically associated with higher levels of psychological capital, empowering athletes to proactively address challenges and potentially reducing the accumulation of stress that can lead to burnout. In contrast, emotionally focused and avoidant coping strategies may undermine the positive effects of psychological capital, potentially exacerbating long-term burnout symptoms [29].

The mediating role of coping strategies has been further elucidated by the Conservation of Resources Theory (COR) [30]. According to this framework, psychological capital can be conceptualized as a reserve of personal resources influencing athletes’ effectiveness in selecting and applying coping strategies. Athletes with higher psychological capital are more likely to employ adaptive coping mechanisms, which address immediate stressors and promote the preservation and expansion of resource pools, thereby creating a positive spiral against burnout [31]. Furthermore, the Cognitive-Motivational-Relational Theory of Emotion Lazarus [32] shows that the internal evaluation process of psychological capital (such as optimistic outlook and self-efficacy belief) directly affects the choice and implementation of coping strategies. This theoretical perspective highlights the dynamic interplay between psychological capital, cognitive appraisal, coping strategies, and burnout outcomes, emphasizing the complex mediating pathways [33].

Moderating effects of perceived stress

The relationship between psychological capital, coping strategies, and burnout in athletes is further complicated by the moderating effects of perceived stress. Stress, defined as the psychological and physiological response to a perceived threat or challenge [26], is a critical environmental factor that can amplify or mitigate psychological resources’ effects on burnout outcomes. Recent research has highlighted the nuanced interplay between stress levels and the effectiveness of psychological capital in alleviating burnout symptoms in athletes [34].

The stress buffer hypothesis [35] offers a theoretical framework for understanding this moderating effect. According to this model, the protective effect of psychological capital against burnout is most pronounced under high-stress conditions. When stress levels are low, the differences in burnout susceptibility between athletes with high and low psychological capital may be minimal. However, as stress intensifies, athletes with higher psychological capital are better equipped to mobilize effective coping strategies, enhancing their resistance to burnout [36]. A longitudinal study by Gustafsson and Skoog [37] demonstrated that athletes with high levels of perceived stress experienced significantly greater levels of athlete burnout than those with low perceived stress levels. An empirical study by Zhang et al [31] found that job stressors and subjective load were significant positive predictors of burnout, with subjective load also being interpretable as a measure of perceived stress. These findings suggest that psychological capital is a crucial buffer, particularly when athletes encounter intense competitive pressures, rigorous training demands, or personal challenges.

Additionally, the Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress (CATS) [38] offers important insights into the moderating effects of stress. This theory posits that their cognitive appraisals and expectations moderate the impact of stressors on an individual’s well-being. Athletes with high psychological capital are likely to perceive stressful situations as challenges rather than threats, resulting in more adaptive physiological and psychological responses [39]. The moderating effect of stress levels carries significant implications for intervention strategies, suggesting that enhancing psychological capital may be particularly advantageous for athletes in high-stress environments or during intense competition. Conversely, stress management techniques may be vital in maximizing the protective effects of psychological capital against burnout [2, 40].

Research objectives and hypotheses

This study sought to elucidate the complex interactions between psychological capital, coping strategies, stress levels, and athlete burnout. Through investigating these relationships, the research aims to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms that protect athletes from burnout and promote their psychological well-being in high-pressure competitive environments. The study has three primary objectives: a) to examine the direct effects of psychological capital on athlete burnout; b) to investigate the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between psychological capital and burnout; and c) to explore the moderating effects of perceived stress on these relationships. These objectives address critical gaps in the existing literature and offer a more comprehensive understanding of the burnout process in athletes.

Anchored in resource conservation theory [30] and the interaction model of stress and coping [26], the following hypotheses were formulated:

H1: Psychological capital will negatively predict athlete burnout, suggesting that higher levels of psychological capital are associated with lower levels of burnout.

H2: Coping strategies will mediate the relationship between psychological capital and athlete burnout. Specifically, psychological capital is hypothesized to positively predict adaptive coping strategies, which, in turn, will negatively predict burnout.

H3: Perceived stress will moderate both the direct relationship between psychological capital and burnout and the indirect relationship through coping strategies. The protective effects of psychological capital and adaptive coping strategies are expected to be more pronounced under high-stress conditions.

To test these hypotheses, the study will utilize a moderated mediation model to simultaneously examine direct, indirect, and conditional effects [41] (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Concept of the moderating effect hypothesis

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Methodology

Participants

344 athletes participated in the study, comprising 178 (51.7%) males and 166 (48.3%) females. The age distribution was as follows: 108 (31.4%) were aged 12–15 years, 101 (29.4%) were 15–18 years, and 71 (20.6%) were 18–22 years old. Track and field sports accounted for the largest proportion of participants with 127 (36.9%), followed by ball games with 89 (25.9%). Regarding skill level, most athletes were classified as amateur or level 3, representing 85 (24.7%) and 106 (30.8%) of the sample, respectively. Regarding training experience, 106 (30.8%) had 1–3 years of training, while 163 (47.4%) had 3–5 years (Table 4 in Annex 1).

Procedures

The study protocol received approval from the Ethics Committee of Chengdu Sport University (2024-142). The data have been uploaded to the Figshare database (DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.27103099). Data collection was carried out using an online survey platform, Question Star, employing a multi-stage sampling strategy to ensure a representative sample of athletes across various competitive levels [42]. Initially, sports organizations and clubs at different competitive levels were identified. Then, athletes were recruited through official channels and invited to participate in the study. Participants were provided with detailed information about the study and gave informed consent prior to participation. All responses were collected anonymously to protect participant confidentiality.

Measurement tools

Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ)

The Psychological Capital Questionnaire [20] was utilized to evaluate the psychological capital of athletes. This 24-item scale consists of four subscales: self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism, each containing six items. Answers were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (‘strongly disagree’) to 5 (‘strongly agree’). The scale demonstrates strong adaptability within China and is widely utilized. For instance, Zhong Lifeng [43] employed this scale to investigate the influence of transformational leadership and psychological capital on employee work performance. The findings indicated that psychological capital exhibits high reliability and validity, with a Cronbach’s \(\alpha\) of 0.894. In this study, the internal consistency Cronbach’s alpha of the overall scale was 0.943, and the reliability range of the subscales ranged from 0.746 to 0.834.

Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI)

The Coping Strategies Inventory [44], adapted by Xie [45], evaluated athletes’ coping tendencies. This measurement tool assesses both positive and negative coping strategies. Participants rated the frequency of their use of each coping method on a 4-point scale (Not taken = 0, Occasionally taken = 1, Sometimes taken = 2, Often taken = 3). Coping tendency scores were calculated by subtracting standardized negative and positive coping scores. Positive scores indicate a predominant use of adaptive coping strategies, while negative scores reflect a tendency towards maladaptive coping. In the present study, Cronbach’s \(\alpha\) for the positive and negative coping subscales was 0.924 and 0.888, respectively.

Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

The Chinese version of the Perceived Stress Scale [28], which is based on Cohen’s PSS [46], is used to measure the perceived stress level of athletes. This 14-item scale evaluates two dimensions: feelings of tension and feelings of loss of control. Respondents rate each item using a 5-point Likert scale, with responses ranging from 0 (‘Never’) to 4 (‘Always’). Total scores can vary from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater levels of perceived stress. In the current study sample, the overall Cronbach’s \(\alpha\) was found to be 0.924, while the reliability coefficients for the tension and loss of control subscales were 0.863 and 0.853, respectively.

Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ)

The Athlete Burnout Questionnaire [2] was employed to evaluate athlete burnout symptoms. This 15-item scale assesses three dimensions of burnout: emotional and physical exhaustion, reduced sense of accomplishment, and debasement of sports. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (‘Never’) to 5 (‘Always’), with higher scores indicating greater levels of burnout. The ABQ is widely utilized and validated in Chinese sports research [47]. In this study, the overall Cronbach’s \(\alpha\) was 0.857.

Data analysis

Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 and the PROCESS macro v4.1 [41]. The analytical process began with data screening for missing values, and outliers, and an assessment of normality assumptions. Missing data were addressed through multiple imputation techniques. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were computed for all study variables. To test the hypothesized mediation model, we employed PROCESS macro (Model 4) with 5,000 bootstrap samples. This approach facilitates the estimation of direct and indirect effects along with bias-corrected confidence intervals. Psychological capital was specified as the independent variable (X), coping strategies as the mediating variable (M), and athlete burnout as the dependent variable (Y).

For the moderated mediation analysis, we utilized PROCESS model 58, which examines conditional indirect effects at various levels of the moderating variable. Perceived stress was incorporated as a moderator variable (W), potentially influencing the relationship between psychological capital and coping strategies (Path A), as well as the relationship between coping strategies and athlete burnout (Path B). To address common method bias, we conducted a Harman single-factor test [48]. Theoretically, relevant control variables (e.g., age, gender, years of competitive experience) were included in our analyses. Additionally, we performed a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to establish the discriminant validity of our constructs. All statistical tests were two-tailed, with significance set at p < 0.05. Effect sizes for regression analyses were reported using standardized beta coefficients (\(\beta\)), while mean comparisons were reported using Cohen’s d [49].

Results

Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis

Table 1 presents the study variables’ means, standard deviations, and correlation coefficients. The results indicate that the athletes in the sample reported moderate levels of psychological capital (M = 3.09, SD = 0.87). Notably, positive coping strategies (M = 1.58, SD = 0.79) and negative coping strategies (M = 1.45, SD = 0.80) were reported at relatively low levels. Perceived stress levels were moderate (M = 2.09, SD = 0.93), while athlete burnout was slightly above the scale’s midpoint (M = 2.96, SD = 0.70).

Table 1 Descriptive and correlation analysis of all variables
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Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships among all variables. Psychological capital was strongly and positively correlated with coping strategies (r = 0.89, p < 0.01), indicating that athletes with higher psychological capital tended to employ more coping strategies. Conversely, psychological capital exhibited a strong negative correlation with athlete burnout (r = −0.67, p < 0.01), suggesting that higher psychological capital may be associated with lower levels of burnout. Coping strategies demonstrated the strongest negative correlation with athlete burnout (r = −0.84, p < 0.01), underscoring the potential importance of effective coping in alleviating burnout symptoms. Perceived stress showed weak but significant correlations with other variables; it was negatively correlated with psychological capital (r = −0.14, p < 0.05) and coping strategies (r = −0.19, p < 0.01), and weakly positively correlated with athlete burnout (r = 0.13, p < 0.05). This suggests that increased levels of stress may be associated with higher burnout, albeit not to the same extent as psychological capital and coping strategies.

Mediating effects model test

To evaluate the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between psychological capital and athlete burnout, a mediation analysis was performed utilizing the Bootstrap method with 5,000 repetitions. The results of this analysis are presented in Table 3. The total effect of psychological capital on athlete burnout was significantly negative (c = −0.539, p < 0.01, 95% CI [−0.605, −0.473]), indicating that higher levels of psychological capital are associated with lower levels of athlete burnout, thereby supporting a direct relationship between these variables. In the mediation model, psychological capital was found to significantly predict coping strategies (a = 1.969, p < 0.01, 95% CI [1.854, 2.084]), suggesting a robust positive relationship. Furthermore, coping strategies significantly predicted athlete burnout (b = −0.408, p < 0.01, 95% CI [−0.451, −0.365]), demonstrating a negative correlation. The indirect effect of psychological capital on athlete burnout through coping strategies was significant (a*b = −0.803, p < 0.01, 95% CI [−1.085, −0.896]), indicating a notable mediating effect (Fig. 3).

Interestingly, when controlling for coping strategies, the direct effect of psychological capital on athlete burnout became positive and remained significant (c’ = 0.264, p < 0.01, 95% CI [0.168, 0.361]). This shift in direction from a total effect to a direct effect suggests an inhibitory effect, commonly called inconsistent mediation. This finding implies that coping strategies not only mediate but also inhibit the relationship between psychological capital and athlete burnout. The mediation model accounted for a significant portion of the variance in athlete burnout (R2 = 0.722, F = 128.100, p < 0.01), demonstrating its strong predictive power. The increase in R2 from the total effects model (R2 = 0.436) to the mediation model (R2 = 0.722) further underscores the critical role of coping strategies in elucidating the relationship between psychological capital and athlete burnout (Tables 2 and 3).

Table 2 Results of intermediation analysis (n=344)
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Table 3 Intermediation test
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Moderated mediation effects modeling tests

In order to elucidate the complex interactions between psychological capital, coping strategies, and exercise burnout, the study deems it necessary to disentangle and analyze the entire model, first examining the simple moderating effects of perceived stress on the paths between psychological capital and coping strategies and between coping strategies and exercise burnout, and then analyzing the overall moderated mediated model benefits.

The analysis of simple moderating effects revealed that the interaction term between psychological capital and perceived stress was significant (t = 10.710, p < 0.01). This finding implies that the magnitude of the effect of the moderating variable, perceived stress, varies significantly at different levels when psychological capital influences coping strategies. Similarly, the interaction term between coping strategies and perceived stress was significant (t = −11.606, p < 0.01). This indicates that the magnitude of the effect of the moderating variable, perceived stress, varies significantly at different levels when coping strategies influence exercise burnout.

For the relationship between psychological capital and coping strategies, the effect was most substantial at high levels of perceived stress (\(\beta\) = 2.420, p < 0.01), followed by average (\(\beta\) = 1.924, p < 0.01) and low levels (\(\beta\) = 1.428, p < 0.01). This pattern indicates that the positive correlation between psychological capital and coping strategies becomes more pronounced as perceived stress increases. Similarly, the pathway from coping strategies to athlete burnout revealed a significant moderating effect, with the strongest negative correlation observed at high levels of perceived stress (\(\beta\) = −0.367, p < 0.01), followed by average (\(\beta\) = −0.252, p < 0.01) and low levels (\(\beta\) = −0.138, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that the buffering effect of coping strategies on athlete burnout is enhanced under conditions of high perceived stress (Tables 1, 2, and 3 in Annex 1). To further illustrate these interactions, simple slope plots (Fig. 2) were generated to visualize how the relationships among the variables fluctuate depending on the level of perceived stress.

Fig. 2
figure 2

Simple slope plot of the moderating effect

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The study performed a moderated mediation analysis to test the hypothesis regarding the moderating role of perceived stress within the mediation model. The results of the analysis are shown in Tables 4 and 5. The moderated mediation model demonstrated a significant improvement in explaining the variance of athlete burnout compared to the simple mediation model (R2 = 0.790, F = 324.993, p < 0.01), suggesting that the relationship may be more intricate than a straightforward, direct association. Furthermore, the interaction between psychological capital and perceived stress significantly predicted coping strategies (\(\beta\) = 0.038, p < 0.01), and the interaction between coping strategies and perceived stress significantly predicted athlete burnout (\(\beta\) = −0.008, p < 0.01). This implies that the effect of coping strategies on burnout is contingent upon the level of perceived stress (Table 4 and Fig. 3). This supports our hypothesis of a moderated mediating effect.

Table 4 Summary grid of regression models
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Table 5 Results of the total conditional indirect effect
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Fig. 3
figure 3

Diagram of model path coefficients

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To further investigate this moderated mediating effect, the study conducted a conditional indirect effects analysis at varying levels of perceived stress (−1 SD, mean, +1 SD). The results indicated that the indirect effect of psychological capital on athlete burnout through coping strategies was significant across all stress levels; however, the strength of this effect increased with higher stress levels. Specifically, the indirect effect was most pronounced at elevated levels of perceived stress (Effect = −1.020, 95% CI [−1.113, −0.923]), moderate at average levels (Effect = −0.607, 95% CI [−0.689, −0.525]), and weakest at low levels (Effect = −0.299, 95% CI [−0.378, −0.220]) (Table 5). These findings suggest that the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between psychological capital and athlete burnout is more substantial when athletes experience heightened levels of perceived stress. This indicates that coping strategies become increasingly vital for alleviating burnout as stress levels rise.

Discussion

This study represents one of the initial attempts to systematically examine the intricate interplay between psychological capital and athlete burnout, contributing novel insights to the existing literature. While prior research has investigated these variables in isolation, our study uniquely integrates psychological capital, coping strategies, and perceived stress into a cohesive theoretical framework. The findings revealed that psychological capital significantly and negatively predicted athlete burnout, both directly and indirectly, through the mediating role of coping strategies. This dual-path mechanism represents a novel understanding of how psychological resources operate to prevent burnout. Additionally, perceived stress levels were found to moderate the relationship between psychological capital and coping strategies, as well as the relationship between coping strategies and athlete burnout. This discovery of the stress-contingent nature of these relationships provides new insights into the conditions under which psychological capital is most effective.

Direct effects of psychological capital

The present study reveals a significant negative relationship between psychological capital and athlete burnout, confirming Hypothesis 1. This finding aligns with a growing body of research that underscores the critical role of psychological resources in promoting athlete well-being and mitigating the risk of burnout [5, 50, 51]. Athletes exhibiting higher levels of psychological capital, encompassing self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience, appear better equipped to cope with the challenges and pressures inherent in competitive sports, thereby buffering the emergence of burnout symptoms [40]. This phenomenon can be elucidated through the Resource Conservation (COR) theory [30], which posits that individuals strive to acquire, maintain, and conserve valuable resources to manage stress and thrive in demanding environments effectively. In this context, psychological capital is a vital personal resource that athletes can leverage to navigate adversity and sustain their well-being. When athletes possess robust psychological resources, they are more inclined to perceive challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable threats, thereby fostering sustained motivation, engagement, and performance [52]. Athletes with high self-efficacy are more likely to believe in their ability to overcome obstacles and achieve their desired goals, even in the face of setbacks. This belief is particularly important for preventing feelings of helplessness and emotional exhaustion, common in burnout [53].

Furthermore, a sense of purpose and agency can be fostered by empowering athletes to set realistic goals and envision multiple pathways to achieve them. This future-oriented perspective is especially beneficial in mitigating the cynicism associated with burnout and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment [54]. Additionally, optimism, a cognitive component of psychological capital, cultivates a positive mindset, enabling athletes to reinterpret setbacks as temporary and surmountable. This reinterpretation helps prevent the development of a defeatist mindset that can lead to burnout [55]. Finally, resilience equips athletes with the mental fortitude to recover from adversity, adapt to change, and maintain their well-being under pressure, which is critical in the demanding environment of high-level sports [52].

The mediating role of coping strategies

Athletes with higher levels of psychological capital are more likely to employ adaptive coping strategies, which are associated with lower levels of burnout, thus supporting Hypothesis 2. This finding underscores the importance of developing robust psychological resources in athletes and equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges inherent in competitive sports effectively. Adaptive coping strategies, such as problem-focused coping, seeking social support, and positive reappraisal, have been consistently linked to positive psychological outcomes and reduced burnout across diverse populations [1, 14, 56]. Problem-focused coping entails actively seeking solutions to address the root causes of stress, reflecting a proactive and action-oriented approach. Seeking social support involves leveraging one’s social network for emotional assistance, practical guidance, and a sense of belonging. Conversely, positive reappraisal refers to reframing stressors in a more positive or manageable light, fostering a sense of control and optimism even in the face of adversity. The findings suggest that athletes with higher levels of psychological capital are more likely to perceive challenges as surmountable and to respond with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset, which facilitates the adoption of adaptive coping mechanisms [57].

In contrast, maladaptive coping strategies characterized by avoidance, denial, and rumination tend to exacerbate stress and contribute to burnout [58, 59]. Avoidance involves evading or repressing stressful thoughts and emotions, which ultimately delays the confrontation of the problem and may worsen it. Denial refers to the refusal to acknowledge the existence or severity of a stressor, thereby hindering the implementation of effective coping strategies. Rumination entails dwelling on negative thoughts and emotions without taking constructive action, trapping the individual in a cycle of negativity and helplessness [60]. Athletes with lower levels of psychological capital may lack the confidence or resilience to confront challenges directly, leading to the adoption of these maladaptive coping mechanisms and, consequently, exacerbating burnout. In addition, Several experts and scholars have utilized various coping style scales to investigate the relationship between psychological capital and athlete burnout. The findings consistently demonstrate that coping styles play a significant mediating role in the relationship between athletes’ psychological capital and burnout. For instance, Wang et al. [47], Schellenberg, and Gaudreau [61] employed a three-dimensional coping style scale that encompasses task-oriented coping, distraction-oriented coping, and disengagement-oriented coping. Their research revealed that these three coping styles exert opposing effects: task-oriented coping tends to positively predict favorable outcomes, such as goal achievement, competition satisfaction, and positive emotions, whereas distraction-oriented coping and disengagement-oriented coping act as negative predictors.

The moderating role of perceived stress

The relationship between psychological capital, mediated by coping strategies, and athlete burnout is further influenced by athletes’ perceived stress levels, with Hypothesis 3 being supported. Specifically, the buffering effect of psychological capital on burnout is more pronounced in athletes experiencing high stress levels. This indicates that psychological capital may play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of stress on athletes’ physical and mental health. These findings align with the conceptualization of psychological capital as a reservoir of resources that individuals can draw upon during challenging times [20]. When confronted with high-stress levels, athletes with more outstanding psychological capital are better equipped to cope by employing adaptive strategies such as problem-solving, positive reappraisal, and seeking help [18]. Additionally, they may experience heightened levels of self-efficacy and optimism, fostering a belief in their ability to navigate challenges, ultimately reducing burnout severity successfully [36, 52].

Conversely, athletes with lower levels of psychological capital may find themselves overwhelmed in high-pressure situations. Such individuals are more likely to resort to maladaptive coping mechanisms, including avoidance or rumination, which can exacerbate the adverse effects of stress and contribute to increased burnout [62]. They may lack the confidence or resilience necessary to effectively manage stressors, resulting in feelings of helplessness, cynicism, and, ultimately, burnout [54, 63]. This finding is supported by related research. For instance, Gustafsson et al [11] identified a significant negative correlation between stress and athlete burnout in a survey study, where perceived stress fully mediated the relationships between optimism, emotional and physical exhaustion, and athletic depreciation while partially mediating reduced optimism and achievement. Additionally, Taiwanese scholars Yang et al [18] conducted a study involving 428 athletes participating in the National College Baseball League in Taiwan, revealing that certain factors of psychological capital-specifically self-efficacy, hope, and optimism-significantly negatively affected life stress and burnout. Furthermore, life stress was found to impact athlete burnout significantly. This moderating effect of stress levels underscores the importance of considering individual differences in athletes’ experiences. While developing psychologically solid capital benefits all athletes, it is particularly crucial for those with high stress levels.

Limitations and future prospects

The cross-sectional design of this study precludes causal inferences. While significant relationships were identified among psychological capital, coping strategies, stress levels, and burnout, the directionality of these associations remains ambiguous. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to examine the temporal dynamics of these variables throughout athletes’ careers. Additionally, the reliance on self-report measures, although prevalent in psychological research, may introduce potential response bias. Subsequent studies could complement self-report data with objective stress measures, such as cortisol levels or heart rate variability. Implementing mixed methods, integrating quantitative assessments with qualitative interviews, could yield a more nuanced understanding of athletes’ experiences and contextual factors. Despite including athletes from various sports and competitive levels, the sample may not fully represent the global athlete population. Replication studies across diverse cultural contexts and sport-specific settings are warranted to enhance result generalizability.

While this study provides a theoretical foundation, future research should focus on the development and evaluation of targeted intervention programs implemented by sport psychologists and psychology consultants. These professionals could design and conduct evidence-based interventions that specifically address burnout prevention and coping enhancement. We recommend that future studies examine the effectiveness of specialized training programs in which sport psychologists implement: (1) systematic burnout prevention protocols, including early detection and intervention strategies; (2) individualized coping skills training programs tailored to athletes’ specific stressors and competitive demands; and (3) integrated psychological capital enhancement interventions. Longitudinal intervention studies, led by qualified sport psychology professionals, could assess not only the efficacy of these programs in mitigating burnout and improving well-being but also help establish best practices for psychological intervention in high-stress athletic environments.

Conclusion

This study systematically investigates the intricate relationships among athletes’ psychological capital, coping strategies, stress levels, and sports burnout. The findings suggest that athletes with higher levels of psychological capital demonstrate enhanced capacity to cope with the demands of sports and exhibit lower susceptibility to burnout. This relationship is partially mediated by effective coping strategies, highlighting the significance of developing psychological resources and adaptive coping mechanisms. Moreover, the study unveiled the moderating effect of stress levels and revealed that the protective effect of psychological capital on burnout (mediated by coping strategies) is particularly pronounced under high-stress conditions. This nuanced understanding underscores the need to consider the varying stress levels experienced by athletes throughout their careers and to develop tailored intervention measures.

Data availability

The data presented in this study are openly available in Figshare database at https://doiorg.publicaciones.saludcastillayleon.es/10.6084/m9.figshare.27103099. The complete dataset has also been submitted to the journal’s review system as supplementary materials.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all participants of this study.

Funding

This work was funded by the Chongqing Municipal Experimental Base for Educational Research (No. JD2024J006).

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Author notes

  1. Xiaomei Yu and Suxuan Xing contributed equally to this work.

  2. Xiaomei Yu and Suxuan Xing shared first authorship.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Physical Education (Gymnastics Academy), Chengdu Sport University, Eastern New District, Chengdu, 641418, China

    Xiaomei Yu & Yang Yang

  2. College of Physical Education and Health Management, Chongqing University of Education, Nan’an District, Chongqing, 400067, China

    Xiaomei Yu

  3. College of Sport Training, Chengdu Sport University, Eastern New District, Chengdu, 641418, China

    Suxuan Xing

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  1. Xiaomei Yu
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Contributions

XM and YY conceived and designed the research. XM conducted the primary data collection and analysis. SX assisted with the experimental validation and data visualization. XM wrote the first draft of the manuscript. YY provided critical feedback, supervised the research process, and revised the manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Yang Yang.

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This study was approved by the ethics committee of Chengdu Sport University. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Each participant was presented with an informed consent form and their written consent was obtained.

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Yu, X., Xing, S. & Yang, Y. The relationship between psychological capital and athlete burnout: the mediating relationship of coping strategies and the moderating relationship of perceived stress. BMC Psychol 13, 64 (2025). https://doiorg.publicaciones.saludcastillayleon.es/10.1186/s40359-025-02379-8

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BMC Psychology

ISSN: 2050-7283

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