Social Connectedness, Self-Esteem, and Depression Symptomatology Among Collegiate Athletes Versus Nonathletes

Objective: The authors compared collegiate athletes and nonathletes to see whether there were significant differences in the perceived levels of social connectedness, self-esteem. and depression and if ail interaction among the variables of athlete Status. gender. GPA. BMI. and levels of weekly exercise and steel) Were associated with depression symptomatology. Participants: Participants were 227 college Students. Method: The authors surveyed students Using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Social Connectedness Scale-Revised. Results: Athletes had significantly greater levels of self-esteem and social connectedness, as well as significantly lower levels of depression. than did nonathletes. However, the statistically strongest predictors of depression in this cohort were the variables of-ender. self-esteem, social connectedness. and sleep. Conclusion: This study adds to the limited and inconsistent research in the empirical knowledge base regarding depression among collegiate athletes.