The Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment and Workaholism in the Effect of Perceived Organizational Support on Employee Burnout: A Study of Academics in the Field of Sport Sciences

This study examines the relationships between perceived organizational support and employee burnout, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of organizational commitment and workaholism among academics in the field of sport sciences. [GD1.1][GD1.2] Given the demanding working conditions of this profession, academics are considered to be at increased risk of burnout. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from academics working in sports sciences in Türkiye. A correlational survey model was adopted, and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 27.0, and the PROCESS macro (Model 4). The findings indicate that perceived organizational support is negatively associated with employee burnout and workaholism, and positively associated with organizational commitment. In addition, organizational commitment is negatively associated with burnout, whereas workaholism is positively associated with burnout. The mediation analysis further reveals that both organizational commitment and workaholism play significant mediating roles in the relationship between perceived organizational support and employee burnout. Overall, the results suggest that perceived organizational support functions as an important organizational resource, associated with lower burnout levels both directly and indirectly through its relationships with commitment and workaholism. These findings provide implications for improving working conditions and supporting employee well-being in academic environments.

Cite this article as: Dere, G. (2026). The mediating role of organizational commitment and workaholism in the effect of perceived organizational support on employee burnout: a study of academics in the field of sport sciences. Research in Sports Science, 16, 0009, doi: 10.5152/rss.2026.26009.