,PYC4812 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 2025
ASSIGNMENT 01
SECTION A
Burnout in sport is a syndrome that causes athletes to become physically,
mentally, and emotionally exhausted. Keeping this in mind, please
answer the following questions:
1. Discuss the causes of burnout in sport (10)
2. List the dimensions, definitions, and symptoms of burnout
(10)
3. Indicate the intervention strategies that can be employed to
deal with burnout in sport (15)
SECTION A: Burnout in Sport
1. Causes of Burnout in Sport (10 Marks)
Burnout in sport is a state of chronic physical and mental
exhaustion that results from prolonged engagement in
high-pressure sporting activities. It occurs when athletes
experience excessive stress without sufficient recovery.
Several key factors contribute to burnout, including
physiological, psychological, and environmental stressors.
, 1. Excessive Training Load and Overtraining
Syndrome (OTS)
o Athletes often train intensively to enhance
performance, but excessive physical strain
without proper recovery can lead to overtraining
syndrome, which is a precursor to burnout
(Smith, 1986).
o Overtraining results in chronic fatigue, muscle
soreness, and a weakened immune system,
increasing the likelihood of burnout (Kreher &
Schwartz, 2012).
2. High Competitive Pressure and Performance
Anxiety
o The intense desire to win, coupled with external
expectations from coaches, sponsors, and fans,
can cause psychological distress (Gustafsson et
al., 2017).
o Athletes who constantly fear failure or losing
their place in a team may develop anxiety, which
contributes to emotional exhaustion.
3. Lack of Enjoyment and Intrinsic Motivation
o When athletes participate in sport primarily for
external rewards (e.g., fame, money,
scholarships) rather than personal fulfillment,
they may lose interest over time.
o Deci and Ryan’s (1985) self-determination
theory states that intrinsic motivation is key to
sustained engagement in sport. A lack of
ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 2025
ASSIGNMENT 01
SECTION A
Burnout in sport is a syndrome that causes athletes to become physically,
mentally, and emotionally exhausted. Keeping this in mind, please
answer the following questions:
1. Discuss the causes of burnout in sport (10)
2. List the dimensions, definitions, and symptoms of burnout
(10)
3. Indicate the intervention strategies that can be employed to
deal with burnout in sport (15)
SECTION A: Burnout in Sport
1. Causes of Burnout in Sport (10 Marks)
Burnout in sport is a state of chronic physical and mental
exhaustion that results from prolonged engagement in
high-pressure sporting activities. It occurs when athletes
experience excessive stress without sufficient recovery.
Several key factors contribute to burnout, including
physiological, psychological, and environmental stressors.
, 1. Excessive Training Load and Overtraining
Syndrome (OTS)
o Athletes often train intensively to enhance
performance, but excessive physical strain
without proper recovery can lead to overtraining
syndrome, which is a precursor to burnout
(Smith, 1986).
o Overtraining results in chronic fatigue, muscle
soreness, and a weakened immune system,
increasing the likelihood of burnout (Kreher &
Schwartz, 2012).
2. High Competitive Pressure and Performance
Anxiety
o The intense desire to win, coupled with external
expectations from coaches, sponsors, and fans,
can cause psychological distress (Gustafsson et
al., 2017).
o Athletes who constantly fear failure or losing
their place in a team may develop anxiety, which
contributes to emotional exhaustion.
3. Lack of Enjoyment and Intrinsic Motivation
o When athletes participate in sport primarily for
external rewards (e.g., fame, money,
scholarships) rather than personal fulfillment,
they may lose interest over time.
o Deci and Ryan’s (1985) self-determination
theory states that intrinsic motivation is key to
sustained engagement in sport. A lack of
