Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
First Advisor
Dominique Ross
Keywords
Athletic Training, Student Scholarship, Psychological rest, burnout
Abstract
Burnout among competitive athletes is a multifaceted syndrome characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, a diminished sense of accomplishment, and sport devaluation. 1 The rigorous demands of training and competition can lead to chronic stress, potentially culminating in burnout. While physical rest is a well-established component of athletic recovery, the role of psychological rest in mitigating burnout is gaining attention. 2 Psychological rest encompasses mental breaks and activities that promote cognitive relaxation, potentially aiding in recovery and performance. Emerging evidence also suggests that structured psychological interventions can enhance emotional well-being and resilience among athletes, particularly those coping with injuries. In the article it demonstrated that an intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved emotional well-being in adolescent athletes recovering from injuries, highlighting the interconnectedness of mental health and athletic recovery. 3 Although the study focused on injured athletes, its implications extend to burnout prevention, as psychological distress is a common precursor to both injury and burnout. This critically appraised topic (CAT) evaluates whether incorporating psychological rest into regular training regimens reduces burnout in competitive athletes
Recommended Citation
Umutoni, Amy A., "In competitive athletes, does adding psychological rest compared to regular training reduce burnout: A Critically Appraised Topic" (2025). All Student Scholarship. 455.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/etd/455
