Gender Difference in Depression: With Reference to Elite Sportspersons

Abstract

Present study comparatively assessed depression in elite male and female sportspersons. To conduct the study, 50 elite male sportspersons (Average age 24.77 years) and 50 elite female sportspersons (Average age 25.12 years) were selected as sample. The criterion for selection of sportspersons was participation in national event as well as securing one of the top three positions. JMPI prepared by Joshi and Malik (1981) was used to assess depression in selected sportsperson. Results reveal that depression shown by elite female sportsperson was significantly of greater magnitude as compared to elite male sportspersons. It was concluded that depression in elite sportspersons is influenced by gender.