Relationship quality in sport: a systematic quantitative literature review

ABSTRACT

Research questions

Relationship quality research in sport has received increased attention in recent years. A systematic review is needed to synthesise this growing body of scholarship to inform future inquiry. We reviewed the extant literature to ask: when, where and how has previous relationship quality research been conducted? Which sporting relationships and perspectives have been examined? What theories, scales and constructs have been utilised to examine relationship quality? We conclude by outlining critical gaps in knowledge requiring further research consideration.

Research methods

Sixty-three peer-reviewed journal articles focusing on the examination of relationship quality within organised sport settings were identified for analysis utilising the systematic quantitative literature review (SQLR) method.

Results and findings

Relationship quality studies have been conducted across diverse geographic and sporting contexts; however, a discrepancy exists in the theoretical underpinnings, relationships examined, and methodologies employed. Only a third of papers applied a guiding theory when investigating relationship quality. The majority (75%) of papers limited their investigation to singular dyadic connections from one perspective. Significant gaps in knowledge regarding the relationship quality experienced by several key groups, such as managers, administrators and officials remain under researched.

Implications

The synthesis provided by the review highlights opportunities to advance knowledge in this emerging research area. Our findings demonstrate that relationship quality research has not yet fully realised the potential of multi-dyad perspectives and diverse theoretical underpinnings contributing to discourse. The scholarly agenda developed through this research will work to advance relationship quality research and assist sport organisation management.

KEYWORDS:

• Relationship quality
• sport stakeholders
• systematic quantitative literature review

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Queensland Academy of Sport’s Sport Performance Innovation and Knowledge Excellence (SPIKE) unit and by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Australian Government; Sport Performance Innovation and Knowledge Excellence (SPIKE) unit, Queensland Academy of Sport.