The psychological effects of sports disruptions in NCAA Division I and II athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods analysis

Background: Improving mental health outcomes in college athletics requires better understanding of how student-athletes respond to stress-inducing events. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, this study aimed to assess student-athletes' mental health status during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible participants (N.=489) included Division I and II student-athletes at least 18 years of age with plans to compete in the 2020-2021 sport season. Participants completed an online battery of psychological health surveys. Results: Survey results suggested high psychological strain (APSQ: 20.58 +/- 8.08), mild symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7: 7.66 +/- 5.51) and depression (PHQ-9: 7.51 +/- 5.65), and burnout (ABQ: 2.37 +/- 0.96). Conclusions: A subset of student-athletes reported symptoms of psychological strain, depression, and anxiety warranting follow-up clinical evaluation and/or treatment according to scoring guidelines. Findings encourage psychological screening, particularly during sport-disrupting events, to better support athletes' mental health during high-stress conditions.