Organizational stress and well-being in competitive sport: A systematic review

Research on organizational stress in sport has grown exponentially within the last two decades. Despite the volume of literature available, no systematic reviews exist to bring findings together in a single, rigorous point of reference. Filling this void helps researchers and practitioners to better understand organizational stress and its implications for health, well-being, and performance. The objectives of this study were to search for, appraise, and critically synthesize the literature on organizational stress (i.e., stressors, appraisals, coping, emotions) and or well-being within the context of organizational stress in competitive sport. In addition, we aimed to identify strengths of and gaps in the literature to progress conceptual, methodological, and applied understanding. A systematic review of literature was conducted using PRISMA guidelines and robust searches of PsycArticles, PsycInfo, and SPORTDiscus databases. The final sample comprised 55 methodologically sound studies with athletes, coaches, and or support staff. The findings of this review revealed a myriad of organizational stressors that were underpinned by a range of situational properties and were managed using a variety of coping options (e.g., problem solving, social support). Some important components of stress transactions (e.g., appraisals, emotions) and well-being have received scant attention in the context of organizational stress. Experiences of organizational stress among athletes, coaches, and support staff have highlighted implications for health- and performance-related outcomes. Future research should consider the use of longitudinal, diary, and integrative designs, in addition to analytical pluralism within under-represented populations (e.g., coaches, support staff) to deepen our understanding.