Coach–athlete relationships, self-confidence, and psychological wellbeing: The role of perceived and received coach support

Coaches are recognized as key support providers, although there is limited understanding of how coach support relates to athletes' self-confidence and psychological wellbeing. This study examined relationships among perceived coach support, received coach support, coach–athlete relationship, self-confidence, and psychological wellbeing. A further aim was to identify mechanisms through which coach–athlete relationship influences self-confidence and psychological wellbeing. A total of 537 athletes (Mage = 21.83 and SD = 3.67) from a range of sports completed measures of perceived coach support, received coach support, coach–athlete relationship, self-confidence, and psychological wellbeing. Mediation analysis revealed a significant direct effect of coach–athlete relationship on perceived coach support (b = 1.44 and p = 0.04) and received coach support on psychological wellbeing (b = 1.94 and p = <0.05). Coach–athlete relationship was associated with a significant indirect effect on psychological wellbeing via received coach support (ab = 0.82 and 95% CI [0.40 and 1.26*]) but not perceived coach support. In contrast, coach–athlete relationship was associated with a significant indirect effect on self-confidence via perceived coach support (ab = 0.16 and 95% CI [0.10 and 0.22*]) but not received coach support. These findings demonstrate the significant role perceived coach support and received coach support plays in potentially explaining the relationship between the coach–athlete relationship with self-confidence and psychological wellbeing. Additionally, the results highlight that different forms of social support uniquely mediate the relationship among the coach–athlete relationship, confidence, and wellbeing. These results have implications for coaching practices, as coaches can use their relationships with athletes to provide optimal support and thereby enhance the athletes' self-confidence and wellbeing.