Self-determination theory as a framework for understanding athlete burnout: a systematic review

Introduction: High-performance sports place significant demands on athletes, requiring a thorough examination of factors influencing their mental health and performance. Objective: This study aims to analyse the etiology of athlete burnout syndrome through the lens of Self-Determination Theory, synthesising empirical evidence on this topic. Methodology: Eight studies published between 2015 and 2024 were reviewed, covering a variety of international contexts, including China, France, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The studies employed diverse research designs, with the majority being cross-sectional (62.5%) and quantitative (75%). Results: The Athlete Burnout Questionnaire was the most used instrument, while Self-Determination Theory applications were primarily based on Organismic Integration Theory and Basic Psychological Needs Theory. Discussion: The findings suggest that athlete burnout is strongly associated with self-determined motivation and the fulfilment of basic psychological needs, highlighting the mediating role of need satisfaction in preventing burnout. Conclusions: These results underscore the importance of implementing interventions that enhance self-determined motivation and psychological need fulfilment to mitigate the risk of burnout in athletes.