Prevalence and Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in NCAA Division III Collegiate Athletes

Wilson, Sayre; Harenberg, Sebastian; Stilwell, Tara; Vosloo, Justine; Keenan, Lindsey

doi:10.25035/jade.04.01.05

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Engaging in ball sports, strength sports and track and field was associated with more generalized anxiety symptoms. Fittingly, in a recent study, female sex was found to be a significant predictor of depressive symptoms, while age was not found to have significant predictive value (Wilson et al, 2022). In line with this, a meta-analysis showed that male elite athletes exhibited a 52% lower likelihood of reporting mild or severe depressive symptoms compared to their female counterparts who are also elite athletes (Gorczynski et al, 2017).…”

Section: Predictors Of Mental Health Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 84%

Mental health symptoms in German elite athletes: a network analysis

Geiger,

Jahre,

Aufderlandwehr

et al. 2023

Front. Psychol.

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IntroductionElite athletes are exposed to a variety of sport-specific stressors that may put them at particular risk for mental health symptoms and disorders. The aim of the present study was to assess data on mental health of elite athletes and investigate associations and interconnections among different variables using network analysis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to December 2022. The sample consisted of 275 German elite athletes (167 females) aged ≥18 years. Next to sociodemographic, medical and sport-related data, psychometric data such as psychological distress, symptoms of generalized anxiety, depression, and somatic symptom disorder have been gathered through questionnaires and analyzed by means of network analysis.ResultsOver 95.0% of the athletes showed elevated distress and 28.6% reported symptoms of depression. Results of the network analysis show, among other findings, that symptoms of somatic symptom disorder were associated with severe injuries and substance use. Moreover, elite athletes who reported a better financial situation reported fewer symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety, and somatic symptom disorder. They also reported a lower incidence of mild to moderate injuries and severe injuries, fewer years spent in elite sports, less substance use, and fewer training sessions per week. Conversely, these athletes reported a higher level of distress. Furthermore, sex, financial situation and number of training units per week emerged as significant predictors for mental health symptoms.DiscussionElite athletes showed increased numbers regarding mental health symptoms. Providing appropriate mental health interventions for elite athletes and further analysis of factors that influence the mental health of elite athletes and their interplay seem to be of central importance for the general well-being of elite athletes.

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Section: Predictors Of Mental Health Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 84%

Mental health symptoms in German elite athletes: a network analysis

Geiger,

Jahre,

Aufderlandwehr

et al. 2023

Front. Psychol.

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Self-Reported Depression in Collegiate Athletes: The Effect of Privacy on Symptom Disclosure

Ouellet-Pizer,

Harenberg,

Vosloo

et al. 2024

Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology

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Prevalence studies on depressive symptoms in collegiate athletes have yielded varied estimations, which may be due, in part, to survey administration privacy. However, the influence of survey administration privacy (i.e., anonymous and confidential) on depressive symptom disclosure remains unknown in sport. The purposes of the current study, therefore, were twofold: (a) compare depressive symptoms reported under high- and low-privacy conditions and (b) examine factors associated with underreporting (i.e., social desirability). College athletes (N = 123) were randomly assigned to high- and low-privacy conditions. Results indicated no significant difference, F(1, 120) = 0.59, p = .446, between the prevalence of depressive symptoms reported across conditions when controlling for sex, and no significant correlation between depressive symptoms and social desirability (r = −.01, p = .886). Taken together, results indicated that survey administration privacy did not impact depressive symptom disclosure in the current sample.

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Sleep and mental health of current and retired athletes across playing status and level of competition

Montero,

Baranoff,

Adams

et al. 2024

bpssepr

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Sleep and mental health problems are common in athletic cohorts; however, our knowledge is limited to current, elite athletes. We attempted to compare the symptomology of sleep and mental health problems across different playing statuses and competition levels. An online survey was completed by 946 adults from 37 sports (52.3% women) in seven countries. Athletes were currently competing, retired from competition (<20 years ago), or temporarily unable to play (i.e. injury/season postponed), from all competition levels. Retired athletes were at greater risk of sleep disordered breathing than current athletes (OR=2.30, 95% CI[1.66,3.20]) and those unable to play (OR=1.83, 95% CI[1.07,3.13]. Retired athletes (OR=1.54, 95% CI[1.11,2.15]) and those unable to play (OR=2.15, 95% CI[1.36,3.39]) were at greater risk of compromised wellbeing than current athletes. Sports institute/university/college level and semi-professional athletes were at greater risk of anxiety than professional athletes (OR=2.82, 95% CI[1.29, 6.17]; OR=2.38, 95% CI[1.10, 5.16]), respectively. Current and retired athletes had comparable risk of sleep difficulty, depression, and anxiety, while retired athletes were at the greatest risk for sleep apnoea, reflecting previous literature. Foreclosure of sport may explain reduced wellbeing in retired and temporarily unable to compete athletes. Emerging athletes were at elevated risk for depression and anxiety, with distinct barriers and stressors to elite athletes. The high risk prevalence observed has significant implications for the assessment and identification of sleep and mental health issues in athletic populations, highlighting the importance of intervention and prevention strategies. Findings underscore the necessity for longitudinal research, increased transparency from sporting organisations, and enhanced support during and beyond athletic careers.

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Prevalence and Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in NCAA Division III Collegiate Athletes

Cited by 3 publications

References 0 publications

Mental health symptoms in German elite athletes: a network analysis

Mental health symptoms in German elite athletes: a network analysis

Self-Reported Depression in Collegiate Athletes: The Effect of Privacy on Symptom Disclosure

Sleep and mental health of current and retired athletes across playing status and level of competition

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