COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges, burden and emotional impact on Portuguese athletes
COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and emotional impact on athletes
Abstract
This study aimed to explore how contextual variables associated with the period of confinement that has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic (levels of confinement and of risk of severe COVID-19 disease, and nature of sports setting), can differentiate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. It also intended to understand the concerns that were most experienced by athletes when resuming their sport practice and how these could be associated with psychopathological indicators.
The sample comprised 265 Portuguese athletes who compete in different sports and completed self-reported questionnaires on an online survey that took place during the state of emergency.
Results demonstrated that there were differences in psychopathological indicators in terms of the number of hours of training per week, and the type of contact that athletes have with their coach. Also, this study showed that the athletes reported some concerns regarding the resumption of sport practice after the period of social confinement, and that these concerns were associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.
This study may contribute in warning the sports community about the impact of contextual variables-related to critical moments of this pandemic. Particularly, sports communities should encourage the preservation of the athlete’s physical activities, as well as supporting coaches in continuing to guide their athlete’s training. This study also has practical implications for psychologists. It seems relevant to address the athletes’ concerns regarding the resumption of their sport and to encourage coping strategies to deal with new challenges.
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