EXPLORING ATHLETES’ PSYCHOSOCIAL ENVIRONMENT ON THRIVING IN SPORT

Abstract: This study examined coach-athlete attachment as a contextual enabler for thriving (hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, and subjective performance) in sports, and the mediating effect of basic psychological needs satisfaction between coach-athlete attachment and thriving in sports. A total of 131 Swedish athletes from organized teams and individual sports were recruited (78% women, 22% men, ages between 15-41, M = 18.99, SD = 4.31). An online survey was used to collect data. Results indicated that the sample perceived their coach to fulfil basic attachment functions indicating that the coach can be seen as a context specific attachment figure. Mediation analysis revealed that insecure coach-athlete attachment was negatively associated with well-being. Anxious coach-athlete attachment was negatively associated with subjective performance. Secure coach-athlete attachment was found to be positively associated with well-being. Basic psychological needs generally mediated the association between attachment styles and thriving. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of further examination of coach-athlete attachment and the coaches’ role in supporting athletes’ basic psychological needs in order for them to thrive.