A Latent Profile Approach to Understanding Training Adaptation to Stress

Abstract

Stress can disrupt training routines, yet individuals differ in how they adjust when stressed. We examined whether distinct profiles of perceived training adaptation emerge among habitually active adults and how profiles differ on motivation- and energy-related factors via the cross-sectional survey. Adults training at least twice weekly (N = 251) reported their typical response “when I’m stressed” on three items (frequency, intensity, duration). Perceived stress (past month) was assessed with the PSS-10; additional measures included main-sport type and load (METs), mindfulness, self-concordance, passion, vitality, fatigue, barriers, barrier coping, and goal intention. Latent profile analysis identified three profiles: Increasers (n = 34; increases on all facets), Decreasers (n = 40; decreases), and Maintainers (n = 177; stable). In comparisons, Increasers were younger and reported higher fatigue and passion, stronger barrier coping, and higher main-sport load; Decreasers were more often female with lower intrinsic motivation and lower load; Maintainers showed higher mindfulness and lower fatigue. In multinomial logistic regression (Maintainers as reference), Increasers were independently characterized by higher obsessive passion (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.28) and greater fatigue (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.05-1.59). Decreasers were more likely female (OR = 3.83, 95% CI 1.56-9.38), reporting lower load (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.29-0.78). Perceived stress did not uniquely predict membership. Supplementary analyses showed no association between the main-sport organization and profiles. Findings support a profile-based approach to inform tailored support and underscore the need for longitudinal and EMA studies (including in-task affect) to clarify mechanisms and directionality.