Sport-Life imbalance and athlete burnout: The moderating role of perceived athlete-team fit

Although athletes may experience burnout under conditions of sport-life imbalance, Person-Environment Fit Theory suggests that a strong fit between the individual and their team can buffer this negative impact by fostering a sense of alignment. This study investigates the relationship between sport-life imbalance and burnout, with a particular focus on the moderating role of athletes’ perceived athlete-team fit. Survey data from 239 Korean athletes were analyzed using Hayes’ PROCESS Model 1 in SPSS 25.0. Results revealed that sport-life imbalance was positively associated with burnout, whereas athlete-team fit was negatively associated with burnout. Furthermore, athlete-team fit significantly moderated the relationship, such that the positive effect of sport-life imbalance on burnout was significantly mitigated at high levels of athlete-team fit. Grounded in Person-Environment Fit Theory, these findings highlight the critical importance of aligning team goals and values with those of athletes, particularly under stressful conditions. This study offers actionable insights for sports teams and coaching staff aiming to enhance athlete well-being, maintain performance, and promote the long-term sustainability of the team.