The Relationship between Self-Esteem, Satisfaction with Life and Coach-Athlete Relationship

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships between the self-esteem, satisfaction with life and coach-athlete relationship, and to examine these structures according to gender, international/national status, educational status, and sport experience in an elite sport context. 206 elite judoists participated in the study. Data collected by adapted and validated forms of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q). Positive significant relationships were found between the constructs of RSES, SWLS, and CART-Q. Besides, female judoists’ self-esteem scores were higher than their male counterparts. National judoists were closer to their coaches than international judoists in terms of coach-athlete relationship, and high-school judoists were closer and more committed towards their coaches than university judoists regarding educational status. In conclusion, positive relationships established between athletes and coaches may promote self-esteem and satisfaction with life of the athletes, and high self-esteem and satisfaction with life may enhance coach-athlete relationships.