Predictors of Psychological Functioning in Athletes: Physical Activity, Sense of Community, and Team Sport Participation

Kelleher, Jessica (2025) Predictors of Psychological Functioning in Athletes: Physical Activity, Sense of Community, and Team Sport Participation. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Aims: This study investigated whether sport type(team or individual), frequency of physical activity(PA), and perceived sense of community predict psychological functioning specifically loneliness, anxiety, and depression, among athletes. This research study aimed to whether social aspects of sport impact mental health(MH) outcomes beyond the health benefits of PA.

Method: Participants (n=107) recruited via online advertisement, completed a cross-sectional online survey. Participants completed validated measures of loneliness(DJGLS), anxiety and depression(DASS-21), and sense of community(IGIM). Data was analysed using correlation, Mann-Whitney U tests, and hierarchical multiple regressions while controlling for age and gender.

Results: Age emerged as the sole significant predictor across all models, with younger athletes reporting higher levels of anxiety, and depression. There was no significant correlation between psychological outcomes and sport type, PA frequency, or sense of community. However, participants in team sports reported significantly higher sense of community compared to participants in individual sports.

Conclusion: Despite expectations, positive MH outcomes were not predicted by sport type or perceived sense of community. The findings suggest that simply engaging in PA may not protect against psychological distress unless it also fosters genuine emotional connection. Age-specific interventions and emotionally supportive sporting environments may be key to enhancing wellbeing.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Fox, Robert UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > Sports
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	17 Nov 2025 16:13
Last Modified:	17 Nov 2025 16:13
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8933

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