Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Mollie Boyd

Keywords

Athlete-Coach Relationship, Self-Worth, Emotional Regulation, Resilience, Family Structure Self-worth, Coach-athlete relationship dynamic, Collegiate athlete, Single-parent household, Two-parent household, Emotional regulation, Resilience, Psychological safety, Mental toughness, Sports psychology

Disciplines

Counseling | Education

Abstract

This research investigates how the coach-athlete relationship affects athletes' self-worth, emotional dependency, and resilience, using the single-parent or two-parent family dynamic as a moderating factor. Using self-determination theory, attachment theory, and social identity theory as frameworks, the current study explores how coaching styles influence the psychological well-being of athletes. This research utilizes interviews, questionnaires, and observations to analyze perceived coach support, emotional dependency, and resilience themes. The study's findings indicate that autonomy-supportive coaching helps athletes develop self-esteem, coping skills, and mental resilience. On the other hand, controlling coaching styles is associated with increased pressure and lower levels of resilience. Also, most single-parent athletes in the study reported using the coach as a source of emotional support, given the inadequate or lack of familial support that may exist in such households. Although this dependence enhanced the athletes’ resilience, it also heightened their vulnerability when the relationship was unsupportive. However, athletes from two-parent families tended to rely on the coach mostly as a means of developing their skills rather than as a means of emotional reinforcement. The current study extends knowledge in sports psychology by showing how family structure and coaching styles may interact in a complex manner to influence athletes’ self-worth, autonomy, and mental health. Practical recommendations include using adaptive coaching that considers athletes’ family structure.

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