Study Finds Controlling Coaching Tactics Harm Athletes' Mental and Physical Well-Being

Recent research conducted by the University of Surrey and the Université du Québec à Montréal has highlighted the detrimental effects of controlling coaching styles on athletes' well-being. The study reveals that tactics such as micromanaging, public criticism, and arbitrary punishments not only cause immediate stress but can also lead to long-term burnout and psychological harm. Using daily diaries and heart rate variability measurements, the study tracked 72 student-athletes to understand how coaching behaviors influence their mental and physiological states. Findings indicate that coaches who foster autonomy through encouragement, collaboration, and acknowledgment of athletes' perspectives support higher motivation and resilience. Conversely, controlling behaviors undermine athletes' sense of autonomy, increasing stress levels and impairing overall well-being. Experts recommend that sports organizations implement training programs emphasizing autonomy-supportive coaching to promote healthier athlete development. Dr. Sebastiano Massaro emphasizes the importance of shifting from a results-focused culture to one that prioritizes athletes' holistic health, urging governing bodies to adopt new coaching standards for better long-term athlete outcomes.