The Relationship between Resilience and Burnout among Athletic Trainers in the Traditional Sport Setting

Authors

Stephanie M. Singe, University of Connecticut - StorrsFollow
Emily SaracinoFollow
Alexandrya CairnsFollow
Christianne M. Eason, University of Connecticut - StorrsFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Athletic training is a stressful profession, prone to burnout. Being able to cope with prolonged stress, such as being resilient, may buffer experiences of burnout. Resilience is an individual’s ability to adapt and overcome stressors. Burnout is a byproduct of prolonged stress, likely to poor coping or ability to adapt to stress. The goal of the study was to explore the relationship between resilience and burnout among athletic trainers in collegiate and secondary school settings. Methods: 885 athletic trainers (476=collegiate setting; 409=secondary school setting) completed the study. Of the 885 participants, 525 were female, 348 were male, and 11 did not report gender. The average age of our sample was 39 years ± 11. Using an online, cross-sectional survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) burnout and resilience data were collected by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI α.89) and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS α.845). Results: The BRS score (3.28 ± 0.47) revealed normal levels. Overall, low burnout was reported (47.36 ± 13.95). Higher resilience was associated with lower burnout, as shown by a moderately negative correlation between resilience and burnout scores (rs[885] = -.400, p=.000). Resilience was found to predict burnout (b=-88.29, t₈₈₄= -12.46, p=.000) through a significant regression model (F[1,884] = 188.96, p=.000, R²=.176). No significant differences were found between resilience levels in the collegiate and secondary employment settings (p=.152). However, a significant difference was found between burnout scores, with collegiate athletic trainers reporting an overall mean of 49.77 ± 13.63 and secondary school athletic trainers reporting an overall mean of 44.56 ± 13.82 (p=.000). Conclusions: Athletic trainers report a normal level of resilience, and lower levels of burnout. Resilience reduces burnout for athletic trainers in our sample. Athletic trainers should find ways to build their resilience to help adapt to stress and prevent burnout.

Author Bio(s)

Stephanie M. Singe, PhD, ATC, FNATA is a professor in Exercise Science and Athletic Training at the University of Connecticut. Her research interests include work-life balance, burnout, and coping strategies.

Emily Saracino, BS graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Exercise Science and will pursue a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy. She completed this research as part of a senior capstone experience.

Alexandrya Cairns, PhD, ATC is an assistant professor at Southern Connecticut State University. She teaches in the athletic training program.

Christianne M. Eason, PhD, ATC is an assistant professor at the University of Connecticut. She specializes in survey research with a special interest in workplace issues in the field of athletic training.

Recommended Citation

Singe SM, Saracino E, Cairns A, Eason CM. The Relationship between Resilience and Burnout among Athletic Trainers in the Traditional Sport Setting. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Oct 15;23(4), Article 33.