The relationship between cumulative family risk and athlete burnout among Chinese college athletes: the mediating role of negative affect

INTRODUCTION: Burnout of college athletes affects the sports performance of college athletes, etc., and plays an important role in the career development of college athletes. China attaches great importance to the mental health development of college athletes, but the influence mechanism of college athlete burnout has not received attention. This study explored the relationship between cumulative family risk, negative affect, and athlete burnout in college athletes. METHODS: Data on 824 college athletes from more than 40 universities in China were collected through convenient sampling, using questionnaires including Cumulative Family Risk Scale, Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, and Negative Affect Scale. RESULTS: The results of the structural equation model show that cumulative family risk has a significant positive effect on college athlete burnout. Cumulative family risk has a significant positive effect on the negative affect of college athletes. Negative affect also plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between cumulative family risk and college athlete burnout. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that cumulative family risk directly or indirectly affects collegiate athlete burnout.