Maladaptive coping strategies and neuroticism mediate the relationship between 5HTT-LPR polymorphisms and symptoms of anxiety in elite athletes.

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that genetic factors, personality traits and coping strategies might play independent and interacting roles in influencing stress-related anxiety symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine whether Neuroticism and maladaptive coping strategies mediate the association between the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5HTT-LPR) and symptoms of anxiety and depression in elite athletes who experience high levels of competitive stress. One hundred and thirty-three participants were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and then asked to complete the Cope Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. A path analysis was used to test the aforementioned hypothesis. The 5HTT-LPR was significantly associated with Neuroticism, the coping strategy of Focus on and Venting of Emotions' (FVE) and symptoms of anxiety. FVE and Neuroticism mediated the association between the 5HTT-LPR and symptoms of anxiety (i.e., Cognitive Anxiety and Emotional Arousal Control). Also, Neuroticism was a mediator of the association between the 5HTT-LPR and FVE. Finally, FVE also mediated effects on the relationship between Neuroticism and symptoms of anxiety. Results suggest that the 5HTT-LPR may affect the susceptibility to develop symptoms of anxiety in elite athletes indirectly through mediation by FVE and Neuroticism.

Effects of a Plastic-Free Lifestyle on Urinary Bisphenol A Levels in School-Aged Children of Southern Italy: A Pilot Study

“…Several recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated a correlation between urinary BPA levels and obesity ( 55 , 56 ). Moreover, as previously described, the exposure to BPA can induce adverse effects on neurological control, suggesting an involvement in behavior management ( 57 – 59 ). A very recent study performed on obese subjects demonstrated a reduction in most phthalate levels after a dietary intervention ( 60 ).…”

Effect of Cognitive Reappraisal on Archery Performance of Elite Athletes: The Mediating Effects of Sport-Confidence and Attention

“…Thus, the present results can be complemented by integrating skill constructs, fitness constructs and to shed light on the relative importance of archery performance factors and guide the training practice process. Besides, recent studies have also suggested that genetic polymorphisms are associated with athletes’ emotional control ( Altamura et al, 2019 ) and sport performance ( Ahmetov et al, 2016 ), and therefore, the inclusion of genetic polymorphism structure in the model could be considered and guide the athlete selection.…”

Neuropsychiatric and Behavioral Involvement in AAS Abusers. A Literature Review

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