Mental Health and Psychosocial Stressors in Competitive Field Hockey Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Mental health symptoms in competitive athletes have received increasing scientific attention, yet field hockey players remain underrepresented in sports psychiatry research. To investigate depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, psychological well-being, and psychosocial correlates in competitive field hockey players. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 167 competitive field hockey players (88 women, 79 men; mean age 28.8 ± 6.85 years). Depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and psychological well-being were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait version, and WHO-5. Perceived social support, financial insecurity, injury history, and sport-related variables were additionally assessed. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted. Clinically relevant depressive symptoms were reported by 46.1% of participants, while 49.7% exceeded the cut-off for elevated trait anxiety. Reduced psychological well-being was observed in 16.8% of athletes. Higher depressive symptom severity was associated with higher trait anxiety (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), lower perceived social support (r = −0.57, p < 0.001), and greater financial insecurity (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Lower perceived social support (β = −0.42, p < 0.001), greater financial insecurity (β = 0.20, p = 0.002), and recent severe injury (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) were independently associated with higher depressive symptom severity. Comparable patterns were observed for trait anxiety and psychological well-being. Competitive field hockey players demonstrated comparatively high levels of depressive symptoms and trait anxiety, whereas reduced psychological well-being was less prevalent. Psychosocial and contextual variables showed stronger associations with mental health outcomes than sport-related exposure variables, emphasizing the importance of multidimensional mental health approaches in competitive sport environments.