From early specialization to the development of burnout among young athletes

The aim of this article is to outline the material presented at the symposium “Des critiques du sport: controverses interdisciplinaires” (Strasbourg, November 4 and 5, 2021). The Developmental Model of Sport Participation (DMSP; Côté, 1999, Côté et al., 2007) presents the characteristics of sports programs that promote the ongoing participation and personal development of young athletes. This model has identified negative consequences of early specialization, such as sport burnout (Isoard-Gautheur et al., 2016). The latter can be conceptualized as a syndrome with three interrelated but distinct elements: reduced sense of accomplishment, physical exhaustion, and negative feelings toward sport (Isoard-Gautheur et al., 2018). Gustafsson, Kenttä, and Hassmén (2011) proposed an integrative and explanatory model of sport burnout. This model identified major antecedents, precursors, and consequences of burnout, and factors related to personality, coping strategies, and environment that could be considered as antecedents and/or moderators. In this model, the cumulative role of athlete and student was identified as a potential antecedent of burnout in young athletes. The presentation of these various theoretical and empirical elements will enable us to propose possible action to prevent burnout in young athletes.