Athletic Participation Associated with More Adaptive Responses to COVID- 19
Chelsea Davis
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between athletic status, mental toughness, coping, burnout, resilience, and COVID-19 adaptation. Data were collected from students recruited using a university list serve. Participants completed an online survey of the following measures: the Mental Toughness Index (Gucciardi et al., 2015), Brief COPE (Carver, 1997), Shirom Melamed Burnout Measure (Melamed & Shirom, 1992) and the Resilience Scale (Wagnild & Young, 1993). Participants also indicated how well they had adjusted to COVID-19. Results showed that athletes scored significantly higher than nonathletes on mental toughness and COVID-19 adaptation. Further analysis revealed that athletes scored significantly higher than nonathletes on religious coping and using substances as a coping mechanism. No significant effect was found based on athletic status for approach coping styles and burnout. These findings further validate the positive psychological benefits of participating in athletics. The novel finding that athletes reported more adaptive responses to COVID-19 suggests the benefits of athletic participation in the areas of academics, physical and mental health, and social and family life are applicable during unanticipated global events.
Chelsea Davis is a senior psychology major who is the Vice President of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Active Minds as well as a member of the Honors College and Psi Chi National Honor Society. She is also a Teaching Assistant for Systems of Psychotherapy Class and a Supplemental Instructor for Psychology 101. Chelsea graduates in May 2022 and and will attend graduate school at Ball State University to earn a Master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology.