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OCCUPATIONAL STRESS IN SPORTS COACHES: THE ROLE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, COPING STRATEGIES, AND STRESS RESILIENCE

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Abstract

The professional activity of sports coaches has become increasingly demanding due to the rapid development of competitive sports, growing expectations for athletic performance, and the expanding psychological responsibilities associated with coaching. In addition to technical and tactical instruction, coaches are expected to manage athletes' emotional states, maintain effective communication with parents, sports organizations, and support staff, make timely decisions under pressure, and ensure consistent athletic performance. These responsibilities expose coaches to a wide range of occupational stressors that may negatively affect their psychological well-being, professional effectiveness, and long-term career sustainability. Occupational stress is generally defined as a psychological and physiological response that occurs when job demands exceed an individual's perceived ability to cope with them. Within the context of sports coaching, stress arises not only from competitive outcomes but also from organizational pressures, workload, interpersonal conflicts, administrative responsibilities, public expectations, and uncertainty regarding athletes' performance and career development.

Author Biography

Nigina Ruzmatova

PhD Student


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