The Mediating and Moderating Role of Perceived Social Support in the Relationship Between Psychological Adjustment and Coach–Athlete Relationship Quality

The coach–athlete relationship (CAR) is widely recognized as a cornerstone of athletes’ development, performance, and psychological well-being. However, the mechanisms through which athletes’ psychological adjustment influences perceived relationship quality remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the dual role of perceived social support—as both a mediator and moderator—in the association between psychological adjustment and CAR quality among university athletes in Türkiye. A total of 161 student-athletes completed validated measures of psychological adjustment, perceived social support, and CAR quality. Harman’s single-factor test indicated no substantial common-method bias. Correlational analyses showed that psychological adjustment was negatively associated with perceived social support and CAR quality, whereas perceived social support was positively associated with CAR quality. Mediation analyses revealed that perceived social support partially explained the effect of psychological adjustment on CAR quality, underscoring its role as a psychological and relational mechanism. Moderation analyses further demonstrated that perceived social support buffered the adverse impact of low psychological adjustment on CAR quality, with effects strongest at low support and non-significant at high support. These findings emphasize the pivotal role of social support as both a protective and facilitative factor, offering practical implications for coaches, sport psychologists, and institutions seeking to promote athlete adjustment and relational outcomes.