Effects of four-week mindfulness training on job pressure, burnout, and coping strategies in sports coaches: A randomised controlled trial

Background This study addresses the gap in evidence-based interventions for work stress, burnout, and coping strategies among sports coaches, which are critical for their psychological health and performance. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the novel application of a mindfulness training program to alleviate stress, burnout, and enhance coping strategies among sports coaches. Methods Sixty-one coaches were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 30) and control group (n = 31). The experimental group completed a four-week, twice-weekly 90-min mindfulness training. Assessments included the five facets mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ) and measures of job pressure, burnout, and coping strategies, with analyses of correlations and linear regressions between mindfulness and these factors. Results The FFMQ correlated negatively with various stressors (R ranging from −0.331 to −0.943, p < 0.001) and burnout indicators (R = −0.414 to −0.480, p < 0.001). Job pressure predicted mindfulness levels (β = −0.973), with a predictive model: Y = 206.275–0.973 * job pressure. The experimental group's FFMQ scores rose by 13.9% at week four (p = 0.003), with reductions in job pressure, external competition, and negative coping (7.4%, 20.3%, and 18.1% respectively, p < 0.05). They also outperformed the control group in FFMQ scores and stress measures at week four (p < 0.05). Conclusion A four-week mindfulness program significantly enhances mindfulness, reduces job stress, burnout, and negative coping among sports coaches, underscoring its potential as an evidence-based intervention for improving work performance and mental health.