Psychological well-being of sports managers: differences between experienced and future managers and the influence of gender, age, and family status
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53905/inspiree.v7i02.177Keywords:
sports management, psychological well-being, sports managers, gender differences, eudaimonic well-being, life satisfactionAbstract
Background & objective: This study pursued two primary objectives: (1) to compare multidimensional psychological well-being between experienced sports managers and future sports managers, and (2) to examine how gender, age, marital status, and parental status are associated with differences in psychological well-being among experienced sports managers.
Materials and methods: A total of 61 participants (aged 21–60 years; 40 male, 21 female) were enrolled, comprising 28 experienced sports managers (mean managerial experience = 7.57 years) and 33 future sports managers enrolled in Sports Management and Marketing programs. The Well-Being Assessment (Adult – 24 items), a validated instrument assessing eight well-being facets, was administered via an online questionnaire.
Results: Independent samples t-tests revealed significant group differences in Life Satisfaction and Life Evaluation (t = 2.311, p = 0.024, d = 0.62) and Financial Evaluation and Stability (t = 3.993, p < 0.001, d = 1.03), with experienced managers scoring higher. Mann–Whitney U tests among experienced managers indicated that female managers scored significantly higher than males on Character and Caring (U = 29.5, p = 0.013, r = 0.61) and Financial Evaluation and Stability (U = 41.5, p = 0.031, r = 0.51). Age, marital status, and parental status did not produce statistically significant differences in any well-being facet.
Conclusions: Career progression in sport management appears to consolidate life evaluation and perceived financial security without necessarily transforming eudaimonic dimensions such as meaning, character, or relational well-being. Gender emerged as the most salient sociodemographic correlate of psychological well-being in experienced sports managers, with female managers demonstrating higher prosocial orientation and perceived financial security. These findings highlight the importance of gender-sensitive professional development and organizational support strategies in sport management.
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