Understanding the Use of Emotionally Abusive Coaching Practices

The purpose of this study was to explore coaches' reflections on their previous use of emotionally abusive practices in the coach-athlete relationship. Participants included seven male and two female coaches who were coaching at the national or international level within Canada. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant, and data were coded using inductive coding techniques. From the raw data, a number of main themes emerged including: descriptions of emotional abuse, perceived reasons for using emotionally abusive coaching behaviours, the benevolence of the coach, and perceived reasons for change in coaching behaviour. Findings are interpreted to suggest two distinct origins of emotional abuse. Additionally, based on the coaches' reflections on perceived reasons for why they no longer use emotionally abusive practices, determinants of change in coach behaviour are proposed. Applied and theoretical recommendations are discussed.