Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms in Active and Retired Professional Hockey Players

This study presents data on self-reported depressive symptoms in active and retired professional hockey players and examines psychosocial factors related to depressive symptoms. Data were derived from an online survey that was sent to 1,276 active players and approximately 4,000 retired players in the Professional Hockey Players' Association (PHPA). A total of 409 participants completed the survey, representing 56% of those who opened the survey link. In our sample, retired players reported moderate to very severe levels of depressive symptoms at nearly twice the rate of active players, and at rates higher than those reported for the general population. For both retired and active players, greater normative male alexithymia (NMA) was associated with greater depressive symptoms. Compared with active players, retired players perceived themselves as having lower social support from their family and friends, and across the entire sample, lower perceived social support was related to greater depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that preventative mental health interventions targeting NMA and access to social support may benefit retired professional hockey players and those transitioning to retirement. Public Significance Statement Over the past decade, the tragic deaths of four NHL players who openly suffered from depression have sparked growing concern among Canadians about the emotional wellbeing of hockey players. The results of this study indicate that concern is warranted. Retired professional hockey players in our sample endorsed moderate to very severe depressive symptoms at approximately twice the rate of active players, suggesting the value of preventative mental health interventions aimed at retired and retiring professional hockey players.