Smith (1986) created a burnout model that consisted of four stages - situational demands, cognitive appraisal, physiological responses, and behavioural responses. An athlete's response to stress is dependent on personality and motivation factors which determine whether that athlete copes or whether they burnout.
- Situational demands - Excessive pressure and high demands are placed on the athlete. Usually, stress happens when the demands outweigh the potential resources and when this happens over a long period of time then it leads to burnout.
- Cognitive appraisal - The athlete assesses the situation and their perception of it determines their behavioural response. Two different athletes will respond differently to a intimidating situation, some will let it get the better of them and some will rise to the challenge.
- Physiological responses - If the athlete determines the situation as threatening then as time goes on, the stress can intensify muscular tension, irritability, and exhaustion. Those who experience burnout in sport are typically emotionally drained and lethargic.
- Behavioural responses - The physiological response of the athletes determine what coping behaviours they utilize. A negative response will result in a decrease in performance, interpersonal difficulties, and subsequent dropout from the sport.