The Impact of Perfectionism on Satisfaction in Division 1 Athletes: Examining Gender Differences and Environmental Influences

Perfectionism can be a powerful motivator driving athletes to achieve extraordinary feats, but it also has the potential to create cycles of stress, dissatisfaction, and emotional distress undermining the very satisfaction it seeks to enhance. Understanding how Division 1 athletes experience perfectionism and how that relates to satisfaction can help us create better support systems that promote both success and happiness and sports. Thus, this project had three distinct research questions: 1. What levels of perfectionism and satisfaction with sport do Division 1 athletes hold for their sport, 2. Do levels of perfectionism and satisfaction with sport differ by gender, and 3. What is the relationship between an athlete’s perfectionism and their satisfaction in sport? Researchers analyzed responses from 264 athletes (73 males, 189 females) who completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-2 and the Satisfaction in Sports Scale. Examination of the data indicated that student athletes held high levels of adaptive perfectionism and satisfaction in sport and lower levels of maladaptive perfectionism. In terms of correlations, female athletes reported satisfaction in sport was negatively related to perceived coach pressure, concern over mistakes, and doubts about actions while no levels of perfectionism were related to satisfaction in sport for male athletes. For females, higher levels of self-doubt, and pressure from others impacted their sport satisfaction, while male athletes’ satisfaction was unrelated to these concepts. The study highlights the importance of gender-specific support in sports psychology and the need for tailored interventions that address the unique differences in genders. By understanding how perfectionism affects male and female athletes differently, coaches and sports professionals can create better strategies for resilience, satisfaction, and long-term engagement in sports.