On understanding the nature of interpersonal conflict between coaches and athletes

Abstract

Conflict is a part of coach-athlete relationships and should be carefully considered as it can have effects on the quality of coaching and the level of performance. Despite its practical relevance, there is a dearth of research around coach-athlete conflict. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the characteristics and topics of conflict, as well as coaches and athletes' emotional, cognitive and behavioural experiences during conflict. A total of 22 independent coaches and athletes participated in semi-structured interviews evolving around the nature of interpersonal conflict. After all interviews were transcribed, a deductive-inductive content analysis was conducted. This was guided by the interview schedule as well as the by the conceptual framework of conflict in sport relationships (Wachsmuth, Jowett, & Harwood, 2017). Data were divided into five main categories: Conflict characteristics and conflict topics, as well as conflict cognitions, emotions, and behaviours. Findings highlighted the variety of ways in which participants understood and interpreted interpersonal conflict and how their impressions of conflict influenced its evolving process. Considering the participants' cognitive, emotional and behavioural expressions of conflict, it became apparent that conflict can be described through uncertain, escalating and problem-orientated responses. Practical applications concerning (mal-) adaptive responses to conflict are discussed. (199/200).

Managing conflict in coach—athlete relationships.

“…In conclusion, there is evidence in the current literature to indicate that conflict is likely to occur at some point within the context of the coach-athlete relationship (Wachsmuth et al, 2018). It further highlights that environmental factors can restrict coaches and athletes' attempts to manage difficult interactions constructively (e.g., power distributions, low quality relationships).…”

“…This research is warranted to substantiate and expand the limited understanding that is currently available of coach-athlete conflict on both theoretical and practical grounds (cf. Wachsmuth et al, 2017Wachsmuth et al, , 2018. The knowledge created can then contribute to coaches and athletes' daily interactions by identifying practical mechanisms that can prevent dysfunctional conflict and promote beneficial consequences of conflict through its constructive management.…”

Communication Strategies: The Fuel for Quality Coach-Athlete Relationships and Athlete Satisfaction

“…Evidence has shown that the quality of the coach-athlete relationship associates with important performance-related and well-being outcomes including sport and relationship satisfaction (Lorimer and Jowett, 2009; Davis and Jowett, 2014), motivation (Adie and Jowett, 2010; Felton and Jowett, 2013), team cohesion (Jowett and Chaundy, 2004), collective efficacy (Hampson and Jowett, 2014), well-being indicators (Felton and Jowett, 2013), and physical and cognitive performance (Davis et al, 2018). Recently, research has also highlighted negative outcomes associated with poor quality coach-athlete relationships including interpersonal conflict (Wachsmuth et al, 2018) and athlete burnout (Isoard-Gautheur et al, 2016; Davis et al, 2018).…”

“…Finally, those athletes who reported greater levels of complementarity shown to engage more with the use of conflict management strategies (i.e., managing areas of disagreement and conflict) and preventative strategies (i.e., discussing expectations) within the context of the coach-athlete relationship. Rhind and Jowett (2012) suggested that the absence of such strategies may be aligned with lack of connection as expressed through emotional distance, unwillingness to continue the relationship and difficulty in working together, as well as hostility, dissimilarity and discord (see Wachsmuth et al, 2018).…”

Reducing the risk of athlete burnout: Psychosocial, sociocultural, and individual considerations for coaches

“…Specifically, studies have examined positive outcomes including sport and relationship satisfaction, 4,5 motivation, 6 well-being, 7 and physical and cognitive performance. 8 Recent research has also studied negative consequences including interpersonal conflict 9 and athlete burnout. 10 Athlete burnout has been defined as a multidimensional psychophysiological syndrome characterised by symptoms of emotional and physical exhaustion (i.e.…”