Facts

Contact person:
Karin Moesch
Financer:
  • Centrum för Idrottsforskning CIF
Responsible at MaU:
Karin Moesch
Project members at MaU:
External project members:
  • Sofia Bunke - Lunds universitet
  • Magnus Lindén - Lunds universitet
Time frame:
01 January 2026 - 31 December 2027
Faculty/department:
Research environment :
Research subject:

Project description

Being an elite-level coach can be both inspiring and meaningful, particularly for those who are passionate about their sport and committed to supporting the development of others. At the same time, the coaching role is complex and highly demanding. Research indicates that high levels of stress can adversely affect elite-level coaches’ mental health, which may, in turn, compromise their wellbeing, effectiveness and performance. Supporting athletes in achieving sustained performance and wellbeing requires coaches who are themselves able to maintain a sense of balance. A key component of this balance is the ability to manage emotions constructively.

Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to an individual’s capacity to perceive, process and act upon emotion-related information in relation to both themselves and others. Higher levels of EI have been shown to contribute to effective coaching and to the development of positive interpersonal relationships within sport. Previous research suggests that mindfulness-based practices may strengthen EI by cultivating an open, non-judgemental awareness and acceptance of emotions.

The primary aim of the project is to investigate whether a coach education programme designed to enhance emotional intelligence among elite-level coaches through mindfulness-based practices can improve coaches’ wellbeing and performance. The project also aims to examine whether these effects on coaches may, in turn, have a positive impact on their athletes.

Are you an elite-level coach interested in participating?

If you coach athletes who compete at national-team level, regardless of their age, or work as a coach for at least 50 per cent of a full-time position, for example at a sports club or a RIG/NIU school, you are eligible to participate in our study. By taking part, you will have access to a coach education programme free of charge.

The programme will provide you with an opportunity to develop important skills that support a sustainable, attentive and present approach to coaching. You will explore how to:

  • manage your own emotions in your coaching role
  • understand and respond appropriately to your athletes’ emotions
  • be more present and attentive in your coaching
  • engage in more effective conversations with your athletes

The programme consists of two full-day, in-person sessions and one two-hour online follow-up session. The sessions are scheduled six weeks apart, giving you the opportunity to apply and practise what you have learnt in your day-to-day coaching environment.

As a participant, you will also be asked to complete a questionnaire on three occasions. Each questionnaire will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Would you like to learn more?

Contact