Examining the Interaction Between Coaches' Self-Efficacy and the Coach-Athlete Relationship in Different Sports Branches

<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background This study aims to examine the relationship between coaches’ self-efficacy perceptions and the coach–athlete relationship across different sports disciplines. In addition, it investigates whether coaches’ self-efficacy levels and coach–athlete relationship scores differ according to various variables such as gender, age, educational level, coaching experience, type of institution, sport discipline, and coaching rank. Understanding these relationships is important for improving coaching effectiveness and enhancing athlete development. Methods The study was designed using a descriptive and correlational survey model within quantitative research methods. The sample consisted of 250 active coaches working in various sports disciplines. Data were collected using the “Personal Information Form,” the “Coach Self-Efficacy Scale,” and the “Coach–Athlete Relationship Scale.” SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis. Initially, skewness and kurtosis values were examined to assess whether the data followed a normal distribution. Based on distribution characteristics, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted. Appropriate post-hoc tests were applied to identify the source of significant differences found in ANOVA. Results The findings revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between coaches’ self-efficacy levels and the coach–athlete relationship (p &lt; 0.05). Significant differences in self-efficacy levels were observed according to educational level, coaching experience, type of institution, and coaching rank. However, coach–athlete relationship scores did not show significant differences across most demographic variables. Conclusions The results indicate that higher levels of self-efficacy among coaches are associated with stronger coach–athlete relationships. While certain professional and educational factors influence self-efficacy, the coach–athlete relationship appears to be relatively stable across demographic characteristics. These findings highlight the importance of developing coaches’ self-efficacy to foster more effective and supportive relationships with athletes and may contribute to the design of targeted coach education programs.</p>