Open AccessPrevalence and Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in NCAA Division III Collegiate Athletes
Author(s) -
Sayre E. Wilson,
Sebastian Harenberg,
Tara Stilwell,
Justine Vosloo,
Lindsey Keenan
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of athlete development and experience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2642-9276
DOI - 10.25035/jade.04.01.05
Subject(s) - athletes , mental health , anxiety , clinical psychology , depression (economics) , medicine , population , depressive symptoms , psychology , psychiatry , physical therapy , environmental health , economics , macroeconomics
Mental health disorders are important health concerns among collegiate athletes. Estimations of elevated depressive symptoms in this population range from 1.1-26%. However, these data are derived mostly from NCAA Division I institutions or professional athletes. Evidence from lower divisions (e.g., NCAA Division III) is currently sparse in the literature. Hence, the primary purpose of the present study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in NCAA Division III collegiate athletes. The secondary purpose was to examine which mental health indicators predict depressive symptoms. In total, 186 participants completed several mental health scales (e.g., PHQ-9, DASS-21). The results revealed a prevalence of 16.2% of elevated depressive symptoms. A multiple regression predicted 46.1% of the variance of depressive symptoms. Significant predictors were stress, anxiety, devaluation, and emotional exhaustion. While NCAA Division III collegiate athletes may face lower athletic expectations, the prevalence of mental health concerns is similar to those observed in Division I collegiate athletes.