Student-Athletes' dual career and sport burnout

Abstract

[Purpose] Student-athletes in Korea are confronted with career development in both academics and sport. This paradigm change in sport policy aims at guarantee of student-athletes' learning rights and successful career transition after sport. But dual career development can be a difficult task for student-athletes, if there is a lack of social support. The purpose of this study was to provide updated information regarding the burnout-in-sport literature and suggest directions for future research in sport psychology. [Methods] This study is based on reviewing the literature. In order to improve the validity of discussion, the author focused on the findings of the published research articles targeting student-athletes. The outcomes were examined and discussed based on models and measurement tools of athletes’ burnout. [Results] First, longitudinal study is needed to understand causalities in sport burnout. Second, it is necessary to develop korean sport burnout scale reflecting our social and cultural contexts. To do this, qualitative research should be preceded to provide in-depth understanding on burnout phenomenon of student-athletes. Third, the cut-off values which can allow the separation between clinical and nonclinical athletes should be developed. Fourth, due to dual career development as a new sport environment, burnout research has to pay attention both psychological variables in person and environmental variables. [Conclusions] Since the 1990s burnout research in sport psychology has been increased in its quantity as one of the remarkable topics in Korea. Based on the comprehensive and systematic review of the literature, directions for future research are suggested.