Jowett, S., & Nezlek, J. B. (in press). Relationship interdependence and satisfaction with important outcomes in coach-athlete dyads. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
The study investigated the association between coach-athlete relationship interdependence and satisfaction level as a function of competition level, relationship length, and gender composition. A series of multilevel modelling analyses found that the associations between relationship interdependence and sport-related satisfaction were weaker for lower level competitors than they were for higher level competitors, as well as for short-term relationships compared to long-term relationships. We also found that all female dyads were more satisfied with training and instruction than other gender combinations. Moreover, the associations between relationship interdependence and sport-related satisfaction were weaker for female/coach-male/athlete dyads than they were for other gender combination dyads. The findings and their implications to theory and practice are discussed.