Examining the Role of Needs Satisfaction in the Coach-Athlete Relationship and in Athletes’ Well-Being

Abstract Although various studies have explored the effects of the coach-athlete relationship and athletes’ well-being across a number of contexts, there is scant literature indicating how satisfaction of needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness) mediates the relationship. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of needs-satisfaction, particularly autonomy, competence, and relatedness, on the coach-athlete relationship and the well-being of athletes. Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 248 competitive athletes (142 males and 106 females, M= 20.24, SD = 2.02) from various sports participated in this study. The results indicate that needs satisfaction (autonomy, competence and relatedness) partially mediated the coach-athlete relationship and the athlete’s well-being. This suggests that a strong relationship between coaches and athletes creates a positive social environment that fulfills athletes’ basic psychological needs. This encourages athletes to stay involved in sports and promotes overall well-being. The findings indicate that individuals thrive and experience physical and mental well-being proactively and healthy development when their basic psychological needs are met. Conversely, when these needs are unmet, individuals experience poor functioning, stunted growth, fatigue, and physical and mental distress. Future research should incorporate longitudinal forms of investigations into athletic populations and pay considerable attention to concrete methods of promoting the psychological needs outlined above in the specified athletic populations.