Factors That Affect Depression in Princeton Student-Athletes

Abstract

The goal of this experiment was to discover some of the factors that may be associated with depression in college students and college student-athletes in particular. 205 Princeton undergraduates responded to the survey, 150 of whom were varsity athletes. The results found that athletes scored lower on depression overall, and also lower on self-esteem and stress, but higher on social support. Team sport athletes scored lower than individual sport athletes on depression and self-esteem, but higher on social support. These results show that depression at Princeton is a problem that needs to be addressed, as a large percentage of the population scored very high on the CES-D. In general, varsity athletics may be an outlet by which students can release the academic stress of Princeton and may help decrease depression levels in Princeton students.