Bringing Sports Coaches’ Experiences of Primary Appraisals and Psychological Well-being to Life using Composite Vignettes

Research attention has been directed toward coaches’ stressor experiences, yet less is known about the role of stress appraisals and psychological well-being (PWB). Considering links between PWB, mental health, retention in coaching profession, this study will explore primary PWB among sports coaches. Guided by our constructivist paradigm that underpinned relativist ontology subjectivist epistemology, we conducted theoretically informed semi-structured interviews with six coaches (five men one woman) who represented both team individual sports. We analysed data thematically using an abductive approach constructed 10 composite vignettes describe a powerful shared account lived experiences. The offer insight to impact transactions on PWB. For example, benefit had positive environmental mastery self-acceptance, threat negative autonomy mastery, harm/loss are shown influence health. Based these findings, propose several impactful recommendations for researchers, practitioners, National Governing Bodies (NGBs). recommend practitioners working should foster relationships athletes support Further, encourage NGBs work closely promote safe favourable environments, increasing autonomy, maximise flexible conditions.