Relationship between social support and depressive symptoms in collegiate student athletes

Depression levels in collegiate athletes are consistent with or higher than those of the general population [Cox (2015). Investigating the prevalence and risk-factors of depression symptoms among NCAA Division I collegiate athletes (Doctoral dissertation, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville); Prinz, Dvorak, & Junge (2016). Symptoms and risk factors of depression during and after the football career of elite female players. British Journal of Medicine and Sport Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2(1), e000124; Wolanin, Hong, Marks, Panchoo, & Gross (2016). Prevalence of clinically elevated depressive symptoms in college athletes and differences by gender and sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(3), 167-171], warranting examination of probable causes and protective factors. This study examined depressive symptoms in collegiate athletes and how they relate to different types and sources of social support. The student athlete population at a Division I university (N = 238) completed a survey on depressive symptoms (i.e., Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) [CES-D; Radloff (1977). The CES-D scale. Applied Psychological Measurement, 1(3), 385-401] and social support (i.e., Berlin Social Support Scale; [BSSS; Schulz & Schwarzer (2003). Soziale Unterstutzung bei der Krankheitsbewaltigung. Die Berliner social support Skalen (BSSS) [Social support in coping with illness: The Berlin social support scales (BSSS)]. Diagnostica, 49(2), 73-82]four open-ended questions). Higher levels of social support were correlated with fewer depressive symptoms. Multiple regression revealed tangible support from athletic sources, need for support, and tangible support from personal sources were significant predictors of depressive symptoms, (F = 23.2, p <.001). Most beneficial soources of support were teammates (n=20) and non-athletic persons (n=19). Athletes wanted more support from coached (n=72). This study offers insight into how best to provide support, which impacts performance and overall mental health.