The Relationship Among Growth Mindset, Burnout, and Performance in Adolescent Athletes

Purpose: This study examined the structural relationships among growth mindset, burnout, and athletic performance in a cohort of adolescent athletes. Method: Data were analyzed from 294 survey responses. Statistical rigor was ensured through frequency analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and reliability testing. Furthermore, correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0 to test the proposed hypotheses. Results: The findings revealed several key insights. First, a growth mindset significantly and negatively predicted all dimensions of athletic burnout (emotional/physical exhaustion, sport devaluation, and a reduced sense of accomplishment). Second, a higher growth mindset was associated with significant improvements in athletic performance. Finally, all subfactors of burnout were found to have a detrimental effect on performance, highlighting the critical role of psychological well-being in achieving competitive success. Conclusion: These results underscore the importance of fostering a growth mindset as a protective factor against burnout and as a catalyst for enhancing performance. This study provides a theoretical foundation for designing psychological intervention programs aimed at building resilience and offers practical implications for coaches and practitioners seeking to optimize the psychological health and performance of young athletes.