AUTHOR=Fu Yuantai , Li Xingyi , Sun Junjun , Li Caixia , Peng Yang , Hong Fuxin , Pan Jianhua 

TITLE=The relationship between self-oriented perfectionism and athlete burnout: a longitudinal study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1656816

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1656816

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=BackgroundAthlete burnout is a critical psychological concern, and perfectionism—characterized by excessively high standards and self-critical tendencies—may play a role in its onset. However, prior findings on the link between self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) and burnout remain inconsistent, and the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not fully understood.MethodsThis longitudinal study employed a Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) to examine reciprocal associations between SOP and athlete burnout, as well as the mediating role of loneliness. A total of 422 athletes (Mage = 19.74, SD = 1.77) completed three waves of assessments between June 2024 and June 2025.ResultsSOP significantly predicted subsequent athlete burnout (SOP_T1 → AB_T2: β = 0.355, p < 0.001; SOP_T2 → AB_T3: β = 0.374, p < 0.001). Loneliness emerged as a significant mediator: higher SOP predicted increased loneliness (β = 0.376, p < 0.001), which in turn was associated with greater burnout (β = 0.265, p < 0.01). The indirect effect was significant (β = 0.099, 95% CI [0.033, 0.209]). Notably, no evidence supported a reverse pathway from burnout to subsequent SOP.DiscussionSOP is a longitudinal risk factor for athlete burnout, partly through its contribution to heightened loneliness. Preventive interventions that enhance social and coach support, alongside resilience-building strategies such as mindfulness, may help reduce vulnerability to burnout in athletes.