Multiplicative Measurements of a Trait Anxiety Scale as Predictors of Burnout

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether combining the two dimensions of anxiety (i.e., intensity and direction) by using a multiplicative model would strengthen the prediction of burnout. Collegiate athletes (N = 157) completed the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire as well as a trait version of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2D. Three separate hierarchical regression analyses with four blocks were conducted to predict each one of the burnout subscales from anxiety intensity and direction while controlling for gender. The multiplicative variable for cognitive anxiety was a significant predictor of reduced sense of accomplishment (p < .01). Self-confidence was the only directional scale that predicted reduced sense of accomplishment, emotional/physical exhaustion, and devaluation (p < .01). In addition, gender was found to predict overall burnout in all three subscales as a control variable (p < .05). Conclusions and applied implications are drawn based on the results.

Keywords:

• multiplicative
• prediction
• anxiety
• burnout