The Relationship of Positive and Negative Perfectionism with Burnout in Adolescent Handball Players

The present study aims at investigating the relationship of positive and negative perfectionism with burnout in adolescent handball players in Khuzestan province. The study adopts a descriptive-correlational method, conducted as a field study. The data was collected using a researcher-made personal data sheet, positive and negative perfectionism scale (PANPS) and athlete burnout questionnaire (ABQ). The population of the study consisted of eight adolescent handball teams in Khuzestan province including 76 athletes. Cronbach alpha formula, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The level of significance was considered α=0.05 in all tests. The results showed a significant negative correlation of positive perfectionism with reduced sense of accomplishment. However, there was no significant negative correlation of positive perfectionism with burnout, physical exhaustion and devaluation. The results also revealed a significant positive correlation of negative perfectionism with burnout and reduced sense of accomplishment. Nevertheless, there was no significant positive correlation of negative perfectionism with physical exhaustion and devaluation. The results of regression analysis showed that positive and negative perfectionism could predict burnout and reduced sense of accomplishment in a negative and positive manner, respectively, in adolescent handball players. However, they could not predict physical exhaustion and devaluation in adolescent handball players. Therefore, it is recommended that athletes be inspired by facts that contribute to positive perfectionism. This may prevent burnout caused by reduced sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, the criteria that radically augment negative perfectionism in athletes, such as following high standards, fear of failure and selfdoubt should be avoided in order to cope with athlete burnout.