Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Physical Education, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Physical Education South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The purpose of this study was a meta-synthesis of studies on coach-athlete relationship abuse in competitive sports and to present a model. This research was a systematic review with a meta-synthesis approach. The statistical population of this research included studies related to abuse in coach-athlete relationships in competitive sports. A purposive sampling method was used, and by reviewing six databases including CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, and Google Scholar, 17 studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data collection tool was a checklist, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the CASP tool for qualitative research. For data analysis, the reflective thematic analysis method was used. The findings revealed 62 sub-themes and 13 main themes. Different types of abuse included emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. The athletes' reactions as victims to these abuses included isolation, avoidance, silence, coping behaviors, normalization, and lasting trauma. Also, psychological, performance, and social harms were identified as consequences of abuse in coach-athlete relationships. These findings indicate the complexity and various aspects of the effects of abuse in coach-athlete relationships in organized sports. These effects require various measures, including education and awareness-raising, developing effective reporting systems, strengthening organizational policies and regulations, and providing psychological and social support for athletes.
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