INFLUENCE OF INCREASED WORKLOAD AND JOB LOSS ON BURNOUT AMONG ELITE ATHLETES IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Burnout is a construct characterized by enduring experience of emotional and physical
exhaustion, reduced sense of accomplishment and cynicism.The study sought to find out the
influence of increased workload and job loss on burnout among elite athletes in Oyo state. Job
loss and increased workload can make athletes burnout and leave sports with shattered hopes and
dreams. Descriptive survey research design was used; stratified sampling technique was used to
select 178 respondents from 32 sports. The study found the athletes to be experiencing a high
level of burnout (mean= 69.589), it is also found duration of participation not to be significant in
predicting burnout (r=0.096). There was significant positive relationship between burnout and
the independent variable (r =.257**, r =.277). In finding the relative contribution of the
independent variables; increased workload (β=.096, p>.05), job loss (β= .093, p>.05) were found
not to be significant as opposed to previous research. It is concluded that elite athletes in Oyo
state experience high level of burnout, working environment and locality may have accounted for
retaining the null hypotheses as opposed to other findings. It is therefore recommended for
coaches, trainers and managers to try lighter and less rigid training sessions to help combat stress
and burnout.