Level of Perfectionism And The Extent of Burnout Among Student-Athletes
Jefferson D. Caray
Department of Teacher Education, Bachelor of Physical Education Program, Roxas Extension, University of Mindanao Digos College, Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines.
Irene Joy M. Alcordo
Department of Teacher Education, Bachelor of Physical Education Program, Roxas Extension, University of Mindanao Digos College, Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines.
Bea Shane N.Nebria
Department of Teacher Education, Bachelor of Physical Education Program, Roxas Extension, University of Mindanao Digos College, Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines.
Dann Ian G. Broa *
Department of Teacher Education, Bachelor of Physical Education Program, Roxas Extension, University of Mindanao Digos College, Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to determine the level of perfectionism and the extent of burnout among student-athletes and to examine the relationship between the two constructs. It further sought to identify which dimensions of perfectionism influence burnout levels among athletes.
Study Design: A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was used to measure perfectionism and burnout and to determine the strength and direction of their association.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Digos City National High School, Digos City, among student-athletes enrolled in Grades 7–10. Data collection and analysis started September 2024 and completed March 2025.
Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to recruit 100 student-athletes with 1–7 years of competitive sports experience. Two standardized instruments were utilized: the Sport Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-2 (SMPS-2) measuring six dimensions of perfectionism, and the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ) measuring three burnout domains. Responses were quantified using five-point Likert scales. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, and Spearman’s rho to determine the correlation between perfectionism and burnout.
Results: Athletes demonstrated a high level of perfectionism (overall mean = 3.53), especially in the area of organization, personal standards, and doubts about action. Burnout was found to be at a moderate level (overall mean = 3.00), with the highest values in physical/emotional exhaustion and sport devaluation. Correlational analysis revealed a moderate, statistically significant positive relationship between perfectionism and burnout (rs = .340, p = .01), indicating that higher perfectionistic tendencies are associated with greater burnout symptoms among student-athletes.
Conclusion: The findings show that student-athletes with elevated perfectionistic standards are more likely to experience burnout, even at moderate levels. Although perfectionism can motivate athletes toward achievement, unmanaged perfectionistic concerns—such as fear of mistakes, external pressure, and self-doubt—may progressively increase emotional fatigue and sport-related stress. The study highlights the need for intervention programs promoting healthy goal setting, psychological skills training, and supportive coaching strategies to safeguard athlete well-being.
Keywords: Perfectionism, athlete burnout, student-athletes, psychological well-being, high-performance sport