The Relationship Between Dedication and Professionalism: The Mediating Role of Passion in Sports

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of passion in sports in the relationship between dedication and professionalism. The sample group of the study consisted of a total of 400 athletes, 208 of whom were male (52%) and 192 of whom were female (48%), competing in licensed amateur or professional leagues in individual or team sports. The data obtained in the study were analysed using Jasp SEM mediation analysis. The Professionalism Scale for Athletes, the Sport Engagement Scale, and the Passion in Sport Scale were used as data collection tools in the study. In the study, it was found that dedication had a significant and positive effect on professionalism (β=0.452, z=7.826, p=<.001, GA [0.292–0.614]). On the other hand, passion in sports has a significant and positive effect on professionalism (β=0.552, z=11.849, p=<.001, GA [0.435–0.677]). Dedication, on the other side, has a positive and significant effect on passion in sports (β=1.077, z=35.047, p=<.001, GA [0.960–0.1.152]). Dedication has a positive and significant effect on passion in sports (β=1.077, z=35.047, p=<.001, GA [0.960–0.1.152]). On the other hand, it was detected that passion in sports has a mediating effect on the relationship between dedication and professionalism (β=0.594, z=11.225, p=<.001, GA [0.480–0.718]). The total effect of dedication on professionalism (β=1.046, z=31.448, p=<.001, GA [0.919–1.128]) was found to be positive and significant. In conclusion, these findings highlight the motivational mechanisms underlying athletes’ professional development and provide implications for long-term career support in the context of sports.

Cite this article as: Mergan, B., Kargün, M., & Uğraş, S. (2025). Adanmışlık ile profesyonelizm arasındaki İlişki: sporda tutkunun aracı rolü. Research in Sports Science, 15, 0053, doi: 10.5152/rss.2025.25053.