Search Results (24)

Teacher coaching is a widely used approach to support teacher professional development, yet the relational and psychological factors that influence coaching outcomes remain underexplored. Guided by the Expectancy-Value Theory and prior literature, this study examined the role of coaching relationships, teacher self-efficacy, and teachers’ motivation for coaching in the coaching process, with two key outcomes: teachers’ acceptability of coaching and perceived stress. A sample of 308 K-12 teachers from the United States completed relevant measures. Structural equation modeling revealed that high-quality coaching relationships were significantly associated with greater acceptability, self-efficacy, and motivation, particularly increased perceived benefits and reduced reservations. Coaching relationships and coaching acceptability were indirectly associated via self-efficacy and perceived benefits. The indirect association between coaching relationships and stress was fully explained through self-efficacy. These findings underscore the importance of fostering strong relationships with teachers and addressing motivational components to enhance the effectiveness of coaching interventions. Full article

With globalization and rapid changes in the international research environment from technological advancement, political instability, and economic crisis, knowledge management (KM) is crucial to help research institutions operate international research collaboration (IRC) effectively and sustainably. This study uses systematic literature review to extract key KM factors for IRC enhancement. Exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling methods are performed to confirm KM factors and explore how key KM and IRC factors relate to each other. Several KM strategies are established based on study results to achieve sustainable IRC development. The results show that five key KM factors, including knowledge sharing (KS), knowledge creation (KC), knowledge retention (KR), knowledge storage (KT), and knowledge utilization (KU), influence each other. They have both direct and indirect impacts on IRC. The KU factor is crucial for immediate IRC improvement. Research institutions can use existing knowledge and resources to address current IRC opportunities. For example, personnel with IRC experience can act as coaches and mentors to facilitate activities, and integrating IRC into career paths can be beneficial. Activities related to KC, KR, and KT should support KU implementation. Setting up a task force, improving organizational structure, and engaging management in KM can help achieve better IRC performance. The KS factor should be emphasized for sustaining IRC. The plan should involve activities to raise the processes of knowledge sharing effectively. The study results provide guidelines for research institutions aiming for sustainable IRC in the long term. Full article

Although toxic work environments are acknowledged as harmful, hospitality research rarely explains how toxic work environments translate into musculoskeletal discomfort through psychosocial mechanisms. Therefore, our study addresses that gap by integrating the stimulus–organism–response framework and the conservation of resources theory to examine the impact of a toxic work environment on employees’ perceptions of musculoskeletal discomfort mediated by perceived work stress and job dissatisfaction. Data were collected from hotel employees working in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study’s interrelationships were analyzed utilizing structural equation modeling. The results showed that a toxic work environment significantly increases work stress and job dissatisfaction, and that both mechanisms are associated with musculoskeletal discomfort. Moreover, the findings indicated that the indirect effect through job dissatisfaction is stronger than the indirect effect through work stress, suggesting that attitudinal erosion is a key channel linking toxic climate to physical discomfort. Our study is the first to combine the stimulus–organism–response framework and the conservation of resources theory to explain how sensory processes and resource allocation mechanisms would operate in the presence of a toxic environment, influencing employees’ psychological and health-related outcomes. Practically, managers should prioritize anti-toxicity policies, supervisor coaching, confidential reporting channels, and psychosocial support to reduce employee strain. Full article

The present study examines the relationships between transformational leadership styles (i.e., transformational coaching and transformational parenting), basic psychological needs (BPN) satisfaction and thwarting, and burnout within sports and family settings among a sample of adolescents. Participants were 540 basketball players (184 girls) between 11 and 18 years old, representing five clubs in the province of Valencia, Spain. A non-experimental cross-sectional study was conducted, and structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships among the study variables. Both coaches’ and mothers’ transformational leadership styles were positively associated with BPN satisfaction and negatively associated with BPN thwarting. Fathers’ transformational parenting was negatively associated with BPN thwarting. BPN satisfaction and thwarting emerge as an indirect mediator between mothers’ transformational parenting and burnout. A direct association of transformational coaching with players’ burnout was supported, as well as being indirectly associated through BPN thwarting. This study suggests that BPN satisfaction and thwarting are the main mechanisms for understanding the development of player burnout. Coaches, within sports settings, and mothers in the family setting, emerge as fundamental figures for understanding the mechanisms of the relationships between transformational coaching and parenting with regard to player burnout. Full article

An integrated physiological model would be useful for monitoring internal load in functional fitness, including formats like CrossFit and Hyrox. Traditional performance metrics often neglect internal strain, energy system engagement, and neuromuscular fatigue, central to these modalities. Oxygen uptake kinetics, metabolic profiling, heart rate and heart rate variability monitoring, and neuromuscular fatigue assessment can be employed for load monitoring. Breath-by-breath oxygen uptake analysis characterizes aerobic activation and recovery. Metabolic stress is estimated via indirect calorimetry and capillary blood lactate to quantify oxidative, glycolytic, and phosphagen contributions. Heart rate is tracked continuously to assess session intensity, while heart rate variability provides insights into autonomic recovery. Neuromuscular fatigue can be assessed via countermovement jump performance, offering sensitive measures of recovery and training tolerance. Portable tools such as the Cosmed K5™, Lactate Pro 2, heart rate sensors, and force platforms support real-time monitoring in training and competitions. Rather than advocating for the continuous use of advanced tools, the model promotes strategic integration of high-precision methods for research, and practical, low-cost alternatives (e.g., heart rate monitoring, session rating of perceived exertion, or jump analysis apps) for day-to-day coaching. This approach enables early detection of maladaptation, supports individualized training adjustments, and improves safety and performance outcomes. Ultimately, this framework bridges physiological science and real-world practice, providing value across both applied and research settings. Full article

Trauma cognitions have been widely supported as a mechanism of change in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. Less is known about the mediating role of trauma cognitions in early interventions addressing PTSD symptoms and co-occurring conditions such as alcohol misuse. This study was a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a pilot randomized clinical trial of a single session intervention and four coaching calls (BRITE), adapted from Cognitive Processing Therapy for survivors of a sexual assault that occurred in the past 10 weeks. Fifty-seven adult female-identifying individuals with symptoms of PTSD and alcohol misuse randomized to either intervention or symptom monitoring completed the assessments of PTSD severity, alcohol use, and trauma cognitions at intake, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Mixed-effects models showed trauma cognitions improved significantly in the BRITE condition but did not change in the symptom monitoring condition (b = −1.53, p < 0.001, B = −1.05). Mediation analyses indicated that change in total trauma cognitions and self-blame cognitions did not have a significant indirect effect on the association between condition and PTSD symptoms and average drinks on drinking days, and the proportion mediated was small for PTSD symptoms and average drinks. Preliminary findings indicate reductions in negative trauma cognitions for the BRITE condition, but this is likely one of several factors that play a role in changes in PTSD symptoms and alcohol use in the early recovery period following sexual assault. Full article

Parental and peer support has been documented as an important factor in physical activities among high school students. Likewise, coach support has an important impact on physical activity among high school students. Meanwhile, many studies show that basic psychological needs have an essential effect on perceived autonomy and physical activity. As such, this study, using self-determination theory, aimed to explore the mediating role of basic psychological needs on physical activity among high school students in China. The Sport Climate Questionnaire, Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale—Physical Activity, and the three-item Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 were employed to gauge responses from 736 high school students (15–18 years old). A structural equation model was employed to test the mediating effect. The researchers found a significant positive effect of perceived coach support on basic psychological need satisfaction. Basic psychological need satisfaction was also found to be a significant predictor of physical activity. Surprisingly, the results showed that perceived coach support negatively influences physical activity. As such, an indirect mediating effect is established. Basic psychological needs had an indirect mediating effect and could reduce the negative effect of coach support on physical activity engagement. Full article

Athletes’ perceptions of fairness toward coaching behaviors and decisions can play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of a strong coach–athlete relationship. However, scholars have given limited attention to athletes’ perceptions of fairness. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the relationship between coaches and athletes by applying the concept of organizational justice based on met-expectation theory. The primary objective of the study was to empirically examine the direct and indirect relationships between the met-expectation of athletic justice and athletes’ attitudinal outcomes, such as athletic satisfaction and organizational commitment, through leader–member exchange (LMX). Data were collected from 289 elite athletes (238 men and 51 women) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using a mixed-mode approach (paper-and-pencil and online surveys). The results of Structural Equation Modeling indicated that when athletes perceive that their expectations of fair treatment are met, it positively affects their satisfaction. This relationship is partially influenced by the quality of their relationship with their leader. However, the findings also suggest that while the athletes’ met-expectation of athletic justice has a positive effect on their satisfaction, it does not have a significant impact on their commitment to the team. The findings provide insight about important work-related outcomes by validating the coach–athlete relationship based on met-expectation of athletic justice. The findings can be utilized to improve athlete satisfaction and commitment, leading to positive team and individual outcomes. Full article

The main objective of this study was to determine the differences in energy expenditure (EE) according to sex during and after two different squat training protocols in a group of healthy young adults. Twenty-nine Sports Sciences students volunteered to participate in this study. They attended the laboratory on four different days and completed four sessions: two sessions with 3 sets of 12 repetitions at 75% of their one-repetition maximum (RM) and two sessions with 3 sets of 30 repetitions at 50% of their 1RM. Energy expenditure was evaluated using an indirect calorimeter. Males consistently demonstrated higher EE in all sessions and intensities. The linear regression model identified a significant association between sex, BMI, and total EE across all sessions and intensities. In conclusion, males exhibited higher EE in both protocols (50% and 75% of 1RM) throughout all sessions. Furthermore, sex and BMI were found to influence EE in healthy young adults. Therefore, coaches should consider sex when assessing EE, as the metabolic response differs between males and females. Full article

Vitamins, hormones, free radicals, and antioxidant substances significantly influence athletic performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether these biological mediators changed during the season and if this was associated with the rate of improvement in performance after training, assessed by means of a standardized test. Professional male soccer players took part in the study. Two evaluations were performed: the first in the pre-season period and the second at the mid-point of the official season, after about 6 months of intensive training and weekly matches. Blood levels of vitamins D, B12, and folic acid, testosterone and cortisol, free radicals, and antioxidant substances were measured. Two hours after breakfast, a Yo-Yo test was performed. The relationships between the biological mediators and the rate of improvement after training (i.e., the increase in meters run in the Yo-Yo test between the pre-season and mid-season periods) were evaluated by means of a linear mixed models analysis. Results: Eighty-two paired tests were performed. The athletes showed better performance after training, with an increase in the meters run of about 20%. No significant relationships between the vitamin and hormone values and the gain in the performance test were observed. Plasmatic levels of free radicals increased significantly, as did the blood antioxidant potential. An indirect relationship between oxidative stress and the improvement in performance was observed (free radicals β ± SE: = −0.33 ± 0.10; p-value = 0.001), with lower levels of oxidative stress being associated with higher levels of performance in the Yo-Yo test. Monitoring the measures of oxidative stress could be a useful additional tool for coaches in training and/or recovery programs tailored to each player. Full article

The multidimensional model of empowering and disempowering coach climates has great relevance within the scope of intervention in the context of Sport Psychology. This scoping review of studies summarizes the scientific production of the empowering and disempowering motivational climates. The search comprised the Web of Science, Scopus, Psycinfo, and Pubmed databases for English, Portuguese, and Spanish articles published between 2013 and 2022. A total of 44 articles were found, of which 22 were included in the present study: 16 concerned cross-sectional studies, four were psychometrics validation studies, one involved a transversal cohort study, and one included a qualitative study. The questionnaire EDMCQ-C (Coach-created Empowering and Disempowering Motivational Questionnaire) is the most used and with the necessary psychometric qualities when it comes to assessing the empowering and disempowering motivational climates and their various impacts. We describe results concerning the measurement, antecedents, and effects of empowering and disempowering coach climates. Future research should invest in the study of empirical evidence that could be added to the existing nomological framework, considering antecedents, development, direct and indirect effects, moderating effects, aggregated effects, and qualitative studies. Full article

High-intensity intermittent performance in soccer is widely assessed using the yo-yo intermittent recovery level 2 test (YYIR2). This test is usually associated with aerobic–anaerobic performance. However, less is known about the direct or indirect contributions of abilities, including the anaerobic component. This study aims to propose a three-level model of factors contributing to YYIR2 performance, based on the investigation of relationships with aerobic endurance, repeated-sprint ability (RSA), and the linear and change-of-direction speed and power variables. Eighteen soccer players performed the YYIR2, with a 20-m shuttle run test (20mSR), an RSA test with change-of-direction, 5-m and 20-m sprints, and a 505 test, countermovement jump, squat jump, and drop jump. The results showed a significant relationship between the YYIR2 distance and the 20mSR distance (r = 0.721, p = 0.001), as well as with the RSA test mean time (r = −0.594, p = 0.009). In the second level, the 20mSR distance performance was not associated with any of the speed and power variables. However, the RSA test mean time correlated with the 5-m sprint (r = 0.587, p = 0.010), 20-m sprint (r = 0.702, p = 0.001), and 505 test (r = 0.585 p = 0.011) performance. In the third level, the 20-m sprint time was related to the squat jump (r = −0.577 p = 0.012) and countermovement jump (r = −0.768 p < 0.001) heights. In addition to aerobic endurance, this study highlights the importance of the anaerobic component in YYIR2 performance. More specifically, aerobic endurance (52%) and RSA (36%) are the main determinants of YYIR2 performance. Subsequently, the RSA performance is determined by the linear (34–49%) and change-of-direction speed (35%), while the explosive power of lower limbs contributes to sprinting performance (33–59%). Coaches should focus on the development of these abilities to improve the high-intensity intermittent performance of soccer players. Full article

Grounded in the job demands-resources model, this study examines the moderating role of supervisor support and the mediating role of sports coaches’ work engagement in the relationship between proactive personality and perceived work competence. A total of 261 school sports coaches in Taiwan participated in the study. The results indicated that work engagement positively mediates the relationship between sports coaches’ proactive personality and perceived work competence. Separately, supervisor support weakens the link between proactive personality and work engagement but strengthens the relationship between work engagement and perceived work competence; however, taken together, supervisor support weakens the indirect effects of proactive personality on perceived work competence through job engagement. Under the boundary condition of perceived supervisor support, the sports coaches’ proactive personality is a critical antecedent of perceived work competence through work engagement. We suggest that proactive sports coaches are assets for schools because they possess the drive and energy for self-improvement, promoting organizational progress automatically. Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a gender-specific difference in the indirect effect of perceived coaching behaviors of Taekwondo Poomsae athletes on performance mediated by basic psychological needs. To this end, a survey was conducted to collect data from 474 Taekwondo Poomsae athletes (male = 285). Based on the collected data, analysis of basic descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis were performed, and PROCESS was used to test the proposed model of multi mediated moderation. For female athletes, there was an indirect effect of controlling coaching behaviors resulting in performance improvement mediated by autonomy, but this effect was not observed in male athletes. The findings of this study indicate that different mental conditioning strategies should be applied in consideration of athletes’ gender to improve coaches’ methods of instruction and ultimately improve performance in Taekwondo Poomsae. Full article

The paper describes an approach for indirect data-based assessment and use of user preferences in an unobtrusive sensor-based coaching system with the aim of improving coaching effectiveness. The preference assessments are used to adapt the reasoning components of the coaching system in a way to better align with the preferences of its users. User preferences are learned based on data that describe user feedback as reported for different coaching messages that were received by the users. The preferences are not learned directly, but are assessed through a proxy—classifications or probabilities of positive feedback as assigned by a predictive machine learned model of user feedback. The motivation and aim of such an indirect approach is to allow for preference estimation without burdening the users with interactive preference elicitation processes. A brief description of the coaching setting is provided in the paper, before the approach for preference assessment is described and illustrated on a real-world example obtained during the testing of the coaching system with elderly users. Full article