Document Type : Original Article
Researchers
1 student
2 master
Ministerial Ethics Committee
In recent years, sport psychology has placed increasing emphasis on the role of psycho-social factors in athletes' career paths. Success is not solely dependent on physical and technical abilities, as young athletes face significant psychological challenges—including anxiety, self-doubt, and de motivation—alongside training pressures. One serious phenomenon in this context is "choking under pressure"state where athletes, despite high technical skill, experience sudden performance decline during critical moments. Recurrence of this experience can erode self-confidence and ultimately lead to psychological burnout. Burnout is characterized by three core symptoms: emotional exhaustion, cynicism toward sport, and reduced sense of personal accomplishment, and is a primary reason for the early dropout of young talents.
Contemporary theories identify "social support" (from coaches, family, and teammates) and "intrinsic motivation" as two key moderating factors that enhance psychological resilience. Social support modifies an individual's perception of pressure and acts as a buffer against burnout. Furthermore, according to Self-Determination Theory, strengthening intrinsic motivation helps athletes maintain focus under pressure and prevents performance blockage Accordingly, this study aims to integrate these two pillars by examining the effectiveness of a comprehensive intervention designed to enhance performance and psychological well-being in young athletes through strengthening support networks and motivational structures