An Examination of Depression, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem in Collegiate Student-Athletes

Samantha R. Weber, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Eva V. Monsma, Shawn M. Arent and Toni M. Torres-McGehee ()
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Samantha R. Weber: Department of Nursing and Health Science, Limestone University, Gaffney, SC 29340, USA
Zachary K. Winkelmann: Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Eva V. Monsma: Department of Physical Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Shawn M. Arent: Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Toni M. Torres-McGehee: Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 2, 1-12

Abstract: Mental health research exists for student-athletes in the areas of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem prevalence. However, updated prevalence rates and assessment of risks across sports, academic status, and genders are needed. Filling the gaps in research assists in the creation of patient-centered mental health screening and interventions designed for student-athletes. Therefore, the purpose is to examine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem in collegiate student-athletes and differences between sex, academic status, and sport type, and identify associations for risks. Using a cross-sectional design, collegiate student-athletes were surveyed to assess for risks of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. With the use of SPSS, Chi-square analyses and multinomial logistic regressions were used. Student-athletes (22.3%) were at risk for depression, anxiety (12.5%), and low self-esteem (8%). No significant differences were found for sex, academic status, and sport type for depression or self-esteem; however, significant differences occurred for state and trait anxiety by sex. A significant association for depression and anxiety risk was found with females at risk. Depression and anxiety are present within student-athletes, regardless of sport type. Females are at a higher risk; however, all student-athletes would benefit from the creation of validated, patient-centered mental health screenings and psychotherapeutic interventions.

Keywords: mental health; prevalence; behavioral health; screening (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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