ABSTRACT
In sport, athletes commonly describe fear of failure in relation to the experience of stress and anxiety. Athletes’ attempts to avoid failure can manifest serious behavioural consequences that impact upon both health and performance. One potential outcome is burnout. This chapter outlines how fear of failure can be linked to burnout in athletes by providing a brief background of research examining fear of failure in sport and related studies of athlete burnout. The current research and associations between fear of failure and burnout are presented in an integrated model to identify and stimulate further lines of research inquiry. The role of significant others (e.g. coaches, parents) is also discussed to outline their potential influence on athletes’ fear of failure. Advice on how athletes can be assisted in handling their fear of failure as well as applied implications and interventions targeting fear of failure and burnout are presented. Finally, this chapter offers guidance for future research and suggestions for practitioners in order to optimise athletes’ health and maximise performance.
