Assessing Psychosocial Work Environments of Coaches in Spain and Their Relationships With Mental Health, Behavioral-Stress Symptoms, and Burnout

in The Sport Psychologist

Click name to view affiliation

Ingrid Hinojosa-Alcalde University of Barcelona

Search for other papers by Ingrid Hinojosa-Alcalde in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
,
Ana Andrés Ramon Llull University

Search for other papers by Ana Andrés in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
,
Faye F. Didymus Leeds Beckett University

Search for other papers by Faye F. Didymus in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
,
Leanne Norman Leeds Beckett University

Search for other papers by Leanne Norman in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
, and
Susanna Soler University of Barcelona

Search for other papers by Susanna Soler in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2018-0114
Keywords:
occupational health; psychosocial factors; risk factors; work demands
First Published Online:
09 Jun 2020
In Print:
Volume 34: Issue 2
Page Range:
122–131
Restricted access

The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial work environment (PWE) of a sample of coaches in comparison with the reference values of the Spanish general workforce, as well as to explore the relationship between PWE and mental health, behavioral-stress symptoms, and burnout. A representative sample (N = 1,481) of Spanish coaches (18.1% women, mean age = 32.98 years, SD = 11.60) completed a battery of questionnaires. Results showed that, in comparison with the general workforce, coaches showed statistically significant differences in most of the PWE areas assessed. The emotional demands experienced by coaches are a health risk, while trust regarding management and recognition are positive features in their PWE. Coaches’ emotional demands were associated with low mental-health scores and higher levels of behavioral-stress symptoms and burnout, whereas social community at work and role clarity were protective factors for health. Practical implications to provide more favorable work environments for coaches are discussed.

Hinojosa-Alcalde, and Soler are with the National Inst. of Physical Education of Catalonia, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Andrés is also with the Faculty of Psychology, Education and Sport Sciences, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain. Didymus and Norman are with the Inst. for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom.

Andrés (anaav2@blanquerna.url.edu) is corresponding author.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

The Sport Psychologist

Cover The Sport Psychologist

  • Allen, T.D., Herst, D.E., Bruck, C.S., & Sutton, M. (2000). Consequences associated with work-to-family conflict: A review and agenda for future research. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 5(2), 278–308. PubMed ID: 10784291 doi:10.1037//1076-8998.5.2.278

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Altfeld, S., & Kellmann, M. (2015). Are German coaches highly exhausted? A study of differences in personal and environmental factors. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 10(4), 637–654. doi:10.1260/1747-9541.10.4.637

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Aust, B., Rugulies, R., Skakon, J., Scherzer, T., & Jensen, C. (2007). Psychosocial work environment of hospital workers: Validation of a comprehensive assessment scale. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 44(5), 814–825. PubMed ID: 16542661 doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2006.01.008

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bentzen, M., Lemyre, P.-N., & Kenttä, G. (2016). Development of exhaustion for high-performance coaches in association with workload and motivation: A person-centered approach. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 22, 10–19. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.06.004

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bruening, J., Dixon, M.A., & Eason, C. (2016). Coaching and motherhood. In N.M. LaVoi (Ed.), Women in sports coaching (pp. 95–110). London, UK: Routledge.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Burton, J. (2010). WHO Healthy Workplace framework and model: Background and supporting literature and practices. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Byrne, B.M. (2001). Structural equation modeling with AMOS. Basic concepts, applications, and programming. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., & Miller, G.E. (2007). Psychological stress and disease. JAMA, 298(14), 1685–1687. PubMed ID: 17925521 doi:10.1001/jama.298.14.1685

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Didymus, F.F. (2017). Olympic and international level sports coaches’ experiences of stressors, appraisals, and coping. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 9(2), 214–232. doi:10.1080/2159676X.2016.1261364

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dixon, M., & Bruening, J. (2005). Perspectives on work–family conflict in sport: An integrated approach. Sport Management Review, 8(3), 227–253. doi:10.1016/S1441-3523(05)70040-1

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Elovainio, M., Kivimäki, M., & Vahtera, J. (2002). Organizational justice: Evidence of a new psychosocial predictor of health. American Journal of Public Health, 92(1), 105–108. PubMed ID: 11772771 doi:10.2105/AJPH.92.1.105

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Erikson, E.H. (1963). Childhood and society. New York, NY: Norton.

  • Escribà-Agüir, V., & Tenías-Burillo, J.M. (2004). Psychological well-being among hospital personnel: The role of family demands and psychosocial work environment. International Archives of Occupational & Environmental Health, 77(6), 401–408. doi:10.1007/s00420-004-0525-2

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • European Commission. (2010). Health and safety at work in Europe (1999–2007). Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.

  • Fernandes, C., & Pereira, A. (2016). Exposure to psychosocial risk factors in the context of work: A systematic review. Revista de Saúde Pública, 50, 24. doi:10.1590/S1518-8787.2016050006129

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fletcher, D., & Scott, M. (2010). Psychological stress in sports coaches: A review of concepts, research, and practice. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28(2), 127–137. PubMed ID: 20035490 doi:10.1080/02640410903406208

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ghaddar, A., Mateo, I., & Sanchez, P. (2008). Occupational stress and mental health among correctional officers: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Occupational Health, 50(1), 92–98. PubMed ID: 18285652 doi:10.1539/joh.50.92

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Goodger, K., Gorely, T., Lavallee, D., & Harwood, C. (2007). Burnout in sport: A systematic review. The Sport Psychologist, 21(2), 127–151. doi:10.1123/tsp.21.2.127

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Graham, J.A., & Dixon, M. (2017). Work–family balance among coach-fathers: A qualitative examination of enrichment, conflict, and role management strategies. Journal of Sport Management, 31(3), 288–305. doi:10.1123/jsm.2016-0117

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hammer, T.H., Saksvik, P.Ø., Nytrø, K., Torvatn, H., & Bayazit, M. (2004). Expanding the psychosocial work environment: Workplace norms and work–family conflict as correlates of stress and health. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 9(1), 83–97. PubMed ID: 14700459 doi:10.1037/1076-8998.9.1.83

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Holst, G.J., Paarup, H.M., & Baelum, J. (2012). A cross-sectional study of psychosocial work environment and stress in the Danish symphony orchestras. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 85(6), 639–649. PubMed ID: 22012447 doi:10.1007/s00420-011-0710-z

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hu, L.T., & Bentler, P.M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1–55. doi:10.1080/10705519909540118

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Karasek, R. (1979). Job demands, job decision latitude, and mental strain: Implications for job redesign. Administrative Science Quarterly, 24(2), 285–308. doi:10.2307/2392498

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Karasek, R.A. (1998). Demand/control model: A social, emotional, and physiological approach to stress risk and active behaviour development. In J.M. Stellman (Ed.), Encyclopaedia of occupational health and safety (pp. 34.6–34.14). Geneva, Switzerland: International Labor Organization.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kilo, R.A., & Hassmén, P. (2016). Burnout and turnover intentions in Australian coaches as related to organisational support and perceived control. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 11(2), 151–161. doi:10.1177/1747954116636710

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Knight, C.J., Rodgers, W.M., Reade, I.L., Mrak, J.M., & Hall, C.R. (2015). Coach transitions: Influence of interpersonal and work environment factors. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 4(3), 170–187. doi:10.1037/spy0000036

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kompier, M. (2002). The psychosocial work environment and health—What do we know and where should we go? Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 28(1), 1–4. PubMed ID: 11871847 doi:10.5271/sjweh.639

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kompier, M. (2003). Job design and well-being. In M. Schabracq, J. Winnubst, & C.L. Cooper (Eds.), Handbook of work and health psychology (pp. 429–454). Chichester, England: John Wiley & Sons.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kristensen, T.S., Borritz, M., Villadsen, E., & Christensen, K.B. (2005). The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory: A new tool for the assessment of burnout. Work & Stress, 19(3), 192–207. doi:10.1080/02678370500297720

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Larner, R.J., Wagstaff, C.R.D., Thelwell, R.C., & Corbett, J. (2017). A multistudy examination of organizational stressors, emotional labor, burnout, and turnover in sport organizations. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 27(12), 2103–2115. PubMed ID: 28271542 doi:10.1111/sms.12833

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lee, Y.H., Chelladurai, P., & Kim, Y. (2015). Emotional labor in sports coaching: Development of a model. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 10(2–3), 561–575. doi:10.1260/1747-9541.10.2-3.561

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lindblom, K.M., Linton, S.J., Fedeli, C., & Bryngelsson, L. (2006). Burnout in the working population: Relations to psychosocial work factors. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 13(1), 51–59. PubMed ID: 16503841 doi:10.1207/s15327558ijbm1301_7

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lundkvist, E., Gustafsson, H., Davis, P., & Hassmén, P. (2016). Workaholism, home–work/work–home interference, and exhaustion among sports coaches. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 10(3), 222–236. doi:10.1123/jcsp.2015-0029

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lundkvist, E., Gustafsson, H., Hjälm, S., & Hassmén, P. (2012). An interpretative phenomenological analysis of burnout and recovery in elite soccer coaches. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise & Health, 4(3), 400–419. doi:10.1080/2159676X.2012.693526

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lyle, J. (2005). Sports coaching concepts: A framework for coaches’ behaviour. London, UK: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9780203994986

  • Malinauskas, R., Malinauskiene, V., & Dumciene, A. (2010). Burnout and perceived stress among university coaches in Lithuania. Journal of Occupational Health, 52(5), 302–307. PubMed ID: 20697182 doi:10.1539/joh.O10006

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Maslach, C., Jackson, S.E., Leiter, M.P., Schaufeli, W.B., & Schwab, R.L. (1986). Maslach Burnout Inventory (vol. 21, pp. 3463–3464). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W.B., & Leiter, M.P. (2001). Job burnout. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 397–422. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.397

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • McDonald, R.P. (1999). Test theory: A unified treatment. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

  • Molinero, E., Basart, H., & Moncada, S. (2013). Validation of the Spanish version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory questionnaire. Revista Española de Salud Publica, 87(2), 165–179. doi:10.4321/S1135-57272013000200006

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Moncada, S., Utzet, M., Molinero, E., Llorens, C., Moreno, N., Galtés, A., & Navarro, A. (2014). The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (COPSOQ II) in Spain—A tool for psychosocial risk assessment at the workplace. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 57(1), 97–107. PubMed ID: 24009215 doi:10.1002/ajim.22238

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Moncada Lluís, S., Llorens Serrano, C., Font Corominas, A., Galtés Camps, A., & Navarro Giné, A. (2008). Exposición a riesgos psicosociales entre la población asalariada en España (2004-05): valores de referencia de las 21 dimensiones del cuestionario COPSOQ ISTAS21 [Psychosocial risk exposure among the wage-earning population in Spain (2004-05): Reference values of the 21 dimensions of the COPSOQ ISTAS21 Questionnaire]. Revista Española de Salud Pública, 82(6), 667–675.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Nielsen, K., Albertsen, K., Brenner, S.-O., Smith-Hansen, L., & Roepsdorff, C. (2009). Comparing working conditions and physical and psychological health complaints in four occupational groups working in female-dominated workplaces. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 82(10), 1229–1239. PubMed ID: 19756696 doi:10.1007/s00420-009-0464-z

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Nieuwenhuijsen, K., Bruinvels, D., & Frings-Dresen, M. (2010). Psychosocial work environment and stress-related disorders, a systematic review. Occupational Medicine, 60(4), 277–286. PubMed ID: 20511268 doi:10.1093/occmed/kqq081

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Norris, L.A., Didymus, F.F., & Kaiseler, M. (2017). Stressors, coping, and well-being among sports coaches: A systematic review. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 33, 93–112. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.08.005

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Nübling, M., Vomstein, M., Haug, A., Nübling, T., & Adiwidjaja, A. (2011). European-wide survey on teachers work related stress—Assessment, comparison and evaluation of the impact of psychosocial hazards on teachers at their workplace. Brussels, Belgium: European Trade Union Committee for Education.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Olusoga, P., Butt, J., Hays, K., & Maynard, I. (2009). Stress in elite sports coaching: Identifying stressors. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 21(4), 442–459. doi:10.1080/10413200903222921

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pejtersen, J.H., Kristensen, T.S., Borg, V., & Bjorner, J.B. (2010). The second version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 38(Suppl. 3), 8–24. doi:10.1177/1403494809349858

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ryan, T.D., & Sagas, M. (2009). Relationships between pay satisfaction, work–family conflict, and coaching turnover intentions. Team Performance Management: An International Journal, 15(3/4), 128–140. doi:10.1108/13527590910964919

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Setterlind, S., & Larsson, G. (1995). The Stress Profile: A psychosocial approach to measuring stress. Stress Medicine, 11(1), 85–92. doi:10.1002/smi.2460110116

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Siegrist, J., & Marmot, M. (2004). Health inequalities and the psychosocial environment—Two scientific challenges. Social Science & Medicine, 58(8), 1463–1473. PubMed ID: 14759690 doi:10.1016/S0277-9536(03)00349-6

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stansfeld, S., & Candy, B. (2006). Psychosocial work environment and mental health—A meta-analytic review. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 32(6), 443–462. PubMed ID: 17173201 doi:10.5271/sjweh.1050

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Van Der Klink, J.J., & Van Dijk, F.J. (2003). Dutch practice guidelines for managing adjustment disorders in occupational and primary health care. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 29(6), 478–487. PubMed ID: 14712856 doi:10.5271/sjweh.756

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vilagut, G., Ferrer, M., Rajmil, L., Rebollo, P., Permanyer-Miralda, G., Quintana, J.M., … Alonso, J. (2005). El Cuestionario de Salud SF-36 español: una década de experiencia y nuevos desarrollos. Gaceta Sanitaria, 19(2), 135–150. PubMed ID: 15860162 doi:10.1157/13074369

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Viñas, J., & Pérez, M. (2014). El mercat de treball de l’esport a Catalunya. Especial incidència a la província de Barcelona. Barcelona, Spain: INDE.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Waddington, I., Roderick, M., & Naik, R. (2001). Methods of appointment and qualifications of club doctors and physiotherapists in English professional football: Some problems and issues. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(1), 48–53. PubMed ID: 11157462 doi:10.1136/bjsm.35.1.48

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wagstaff, C.R., Hings, R.F., Larner, R.J., & Fletcher, D. (2018). Psychological resilience moderates the relationship between organizational stressor frequency and burnout in athletes and coaches. The Sport Psychologist, 32(3), 1–37. doi:10.1123/tsp.2016-0068

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ware, J.E., & Sherbourne, C.D. (1992). The MOS 36-item Short-Form health survey (SF-36). I. Conceptual framework and item selection. Medical Care, 30(6), 473–483. doi:10.1097/00005650-199206000-00002 Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/journal/medicalcare

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • World Health Organization. (2010). Healthy workplaces: A model for action: For employers, workers, policy-makers and practitioners. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • World Health Organization. (2014). Mental health: A state of well-being. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 3331 831 23
Full Text Views 216 68 3
PDF Downloads 125 27 3