Stressors and Coping Among Esports Coaches

Leis, O, Poulus, DR, Trotter, MG, Didymus, FF and Swettenham, LD ORCID: 0000-0002-7010-6543 (2026) Stressors and Coping Among Esports Coaches. Psychology of Sport & Exercise (84). ISSN 1469-0292

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Abstract

Esports coaches are integral to the development, performance, and overall success of esports players. Sharing the same high-pressure environment, they are likely exposed to similar stressors that can affect not only their effectiveness as coaches but also their personal well-being. Despite their critical role, esports coaches often lack access to structured development programs and support systems. To inform future research enabling tailored intervention strategies for coaches, this study explored the stressors faced by esports coaches and the coping strategies they employ. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with 12 male esports coaches, this study reports stressors associated with coaches navigating performance and interpersonal demands (e.g., underperforming players, player attitudes), organizational demands (e.g., organizational pressure), social exposure (e.g., social media comments), and boundaries of personal and professional life (e.g., work-life balance). Coaches discussed fostering a supportive environment, rest as a relational and professional practice, and managing focus, emotion, and meaning to cope with stressors. Findings demonstrate similarities with previous research on esports players and coaches in traditional sports, highlighting a combination of work-related and personal stressors. Esports coaches placed less emphasis on social stressors but highlighted the role of personal stressors. Insights underscore the need for research examining personal (e.g., gender) and situational factors (e.g., organizations), and practical interventions such as communication training and better support to reduce burnout and improve stress management. Ultimately, understanding and addressing these stressors can optimize coaches' well-being and professional development, leading to better support for players and improved performance.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	competitive gaming; emotion; pressure; sport psychology; stress management; 52 Psychology; 5201 Applied and Developmental Psychology; 11 Medical and Health Sciences; 13 Education; 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences; Sport Sciences; 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Elsevier BV
Date of acceptance:	14 January 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	2 February 2026
Date Deposited:	02 Feb 2026 13:35
Last Modified:	02 Feb 2026 13:35
DOI or ID number:	10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103069
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28023

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