Through the coach’s lens: Exploring social support functions and social networks via photo-elicitation

Sport coaches operate within complex shared environments, yet the functions of social support within their social networks remain underexplored. This study examined the functions of coaches received and perceived social support utilizing an original interviewee-aided photo-elicitation method. Ten coaches (women = 6, men = 4; Mage=35.2, SD = 13.0 years, Mexperience=13.5, SD = 9.7 years) participated in two semi-structured interviews spaced three weeks apart. Coaches provided 5–12 personal images that represented their social networks and reflected their places within them. Using abductive thematic analysis, we identified that coaches perceived their social network to be consistent (i.e., availability of support from reliable members), supportive (i.e., space to be heard or receive advice), understanding (i.e., of coaching demands and individual needs), and challenging (i.e., encouraging coaches to be successful). A lack of support was also discussed by one coach who described feeling lost due to limited availability of support. Coaches perceived themselves as central to their social networks and reported that they strive to provide reciprocal support to members of those networks. These findings highlight the role of perceived support in shaping coaches’ coping, well-being, performance, and development. Findings of this study support National Governing Bodies and applied sport psychology practitioners by providing understanding of coaches’ social networks and perceived support, which could be used to build effective social networks for coaches. In doing so, the findings suggest a need for psychoeducational interventions that enhance coaches’ support through network awareness, reflection, and reciprocal functioning.