The effect of an occupation on interpersonal relationships: The experience of Canadian national team coaches.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of occupational demands on partner/family relationships of Canadian elite-level coaches. Twenty full-time national team coaches were interviewed in order to determine the nature of the occupational demands at this level and to examine the perceived impact of these demands on personal relationships. Coaching full-time as a national team coach requires a huge time, energy and travel commitment. Coaches, on the whole, felt that this commitment was necessary in order to perform the job with excellence. Coaching was seen as a passion or an obsession. As a result, coaches did perceive that the demands of their occupation had an effect on their relationships. Effects were described as both positive and negative in nature. Themes such as priorities, family functioning, leaving and returning, role in the family, family involvement in the occupation, partner qualities and the partner relationship arose from the interviews. The underlying question of this study was whether coaches believe that a balance between excellence in their occupation and excellence in their personal lives can be achieved. This question was discussed and recommendations for achieving a balance, through both lifestyle and institutional modifications, were suggested by coaches.