INVOLVEMENT OF ABUSIVE AND VERBAL BEHAVIORS OF COACHES DURING SPORTS TRAINING OF FEMALE ATHLETES

Abstract

The coach athlete relationship is a fundamental component of athletes’ development, performance, motivation, and psychological well-being. However, unequal power relations between coaches and athletes may create conditions that increase the risk of abusive coaching practices, particularly among young female athletes. This study aimed to examine the characteristics and effects of abusive coaching behaviors experienced by female athletes during sports training. A quantitative research approach was adopted using a descriptive research design. A total of 341 female athletes were selected from government girls’ colleges and universities in Faisalabad, Pakistan, through purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing coach abusive behaviors, including verbal aggression, emotional abuse, intimidation, neglect, and physical abuse, along with their effects on athletes’ motivation, confidence, emotional well-being, training experiences, and performance. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analysis.The results indicated that female athletes experienced moderate levels of abusive coaching behaviors, with verbal aggression reported as the most common form (M = 3.42, SD = 0.81), followed by emotional abuse (M = 3.18, SD = 0.76), intimidation (M = 3.05, SD = 0.79), neglect (M = 2.87, SD = 0.84), and physical abuse (M = 2.41, SD = 0.69). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between abusive coaching behaviors and negative athlete outcomes (r = .56, p < .001), indicating that higher exposure to abusive coaching was associated with poorer psychological and training experiences. Regression analysis further showed that abusive coaching behaviors significantly predicted athletes’ emotional well-being, motivation, and confidence (R² = .31, β = .56, p < .001).The findings highlight that abusive coaching practices negatively influence female athletes’ psychological health, motivation, and overall sports participation experiences. The study emphasizes the need for positive, ethical, and athlete-centered coaching approaches. Effective safeguarding policies, coach education programs, accountability systems, and supportive training environments are essential for promoting safe, respectful, equitable, and empowering sporting spaces for female athletes.