Abstract

This study examines the factors that affect athlete burnout in current and former dancers and cheerleaders. A total of 108 participants completed an electronic survey where they provided information about their experiences with either cheerleading or dance and filled out a modified athlete burnout scale to get an average burnout score based on their responses. When looking at the variables that make up the culture of cheer and dance, a variety of relationships were found relating to burnout. Highly competitive experiences where athletes spend many hours per week participating and get very few breaks are correlated with high levels of burnout. An overall lack of support and negative behaviors from coaches, teammates, and parents lead to high burnout scores as well. These findings suggest that we need to be more aware of the potential for burnout in young dancers and cheerleaders, giving them plenty of social support and breaks so that they can have balance in their lives. By doing this, we can help to prevent burnout before it starts and make experiences for dancers and cheerleaders positive and enjoyable.

Keywords: Athlete Burnout, Dance, Cheerleading

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-9-2025

Mentor

Steffen P. Wilson

Mentor Department Affiliation

Psychology

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Article

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Psychology

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

6112

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