Relationship Between Autonomy Support Coaching Perceived by Taekwondo Athletes and Interruption Intention: Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence

Objective: This study aimed to examine the causal relationship between autonomy support coaching, emotional intelligence, and interruption intention as psychosocial variables among current taekwondo athletes in Korea. Methods: In this study, 217 professional and university athletes registered with the Korea Taekwondo Association in 2020 were evaluated for autonomy support coaching, emotional intelligence, and interruption intention. SPSS 18.0 and Amos 18.0 were used to analyze the collected data. Results: Autonomy support coaching recognized by taekwondo athletes had a negative and positive effect on interruption intention and emotional intelligence, respectively. Moreover, emotional intelligence has a negative effect on interruption intention. The mediating effect was validated based on direct effects, which revealed that autonomy support coaching had a negative effect on interruption intention through emotional intelligence. Conclusions: This research data should be preceded by the autonomy support coaching of a coach to understand the technique of emotional intelligence of university and adult taekwondo athletes. Such outcomes can serve as a foundation for athletes to have the opportunity to participate in sports in a mature manner and promote positive changes in sports culture.