Psychological dynamics shaping performance perception in athletes: the influence of coaching behaviours, psychological safety, self-efficacy, and resilience

This study aimed to examine how athletes’ perceptions of supportive and controlling coaching behaviours influence their perceived performance through the mediating effects of psychological safety, self-efficacy, and psychological resilience. Unlike previous work, this study integrates these three psychological factors into a single structural model, offering a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms linking coaching behaviours to performance perceptions. Data were collected from 369 Turkish athletes representing different sports and competitive levels using validated self-report questionnaires. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to analyse the direct and indirect relationships among variables. The results revealed that supportive coaching behaviours positively predicted perceived performance through increased psychological safety, self-efficacy, and resilience, whereas controlling coaching behaviours had the opposite effect. Among the mediators, self-efficacy emerged as the strongest predictor of performance perception. These findings provide novel evidence that psychological safety and resilience strengthen this relationship by fostering adaptive and confident athlete functioning. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the integrative role of psychological resources within the frameworks of self-determination and social cognitive theories. Practically, it underscores the importance of supportive coaching practices that enhance psychological resources essential for sustained motivation, well-being, and optimal performance.