Perfectionism, Burnout, and Engagement in Dance: The Moderating Role of Autonomy Support

Previous findings highlight the relationships between 2 x 2 perfectionism and burnout in dancers, but researchers are yet to examine the relationships between 2 x 2 perfectionism and, the opposing outcome of, engagement in dance. Similarly, we know little about the factors that may moderate these relationships. We therefore sought to extend previous research by examining the relationships be- < tween 2 x 2 perfectionism and both burnout and engagement in dancers, and by assessing whether autonomy support moderated the relationships between subtypes of perfectionism and the two opposing outcomes. Adolescent dancers (N = 244. female n = 198, M-age = 15.00 years, SD = 2.90 years) completed measures capturing 4 subtypes of perfectionism (pure personal standards perfectionism, pure evaluative concerns perfectionism, mixed perfectionism, and nonperfectionism), burnout dimensions (reduced sense of accomplishment, emotional/physical exhaustion, devaluation), engagement dimensions (confidence, dedication, vigor, enthusiasm), and autonomy support provided by their dance teacher. Moderated regression analyses supported all 4 hypotheses of the 2 x 2 perfectionism model for burnout (all dimensions) and dedication, vigor, and enthusiasm, and supported 3 hypotheses for confidence (Hypotheses 1a. 2, and 3). In addition. autonomy support moderated the relationships between subtypes of perfectionism and burnout (reduced accomplishment and devaluation) and engagement (all dimensions). The findings suggest that providing autonomy support offers a potential strategy to prevent burnout and promote engagement in perfectionistic dancers.