The relationship between burnout and depression in intercollegiate athletes: An examination of gender and sport-type

Abstract

ABSTRACT Researchers have examined burnout and depression in athletes, yet there are no investigations of the relationship of these two constructs in intercollegiate athletes. This study examined potential gender and sport-type differences (team versus individual) in the strength of the relationship between sport burnout and depression. Participants were 422 intercollegiate athletes from 19 sports. Participants completed burnout and depression surveys as well as a depressive symptom checklist. There were moderate to strong positive correlations between burnout symptoms and depression and there were significant regression models for both genders and sport types. Some gender and sport-type differences emerged. Additionally, 47% of participants who reported previously experiencing burnout also reported five or more concurrent depressive symptoms. Based on the results, sport burnout should be considered a serious mental health concern. Results are discussed in terms of screening and treatment for athlete subgroups and the conceptualization of burnout as a psychological construct.