Dykgraaf, Kylie

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between athletic injury and levels of depression while controlling for athletic engagement. The participants in the study included 105 adults who recently or currently participated in sports at the high school varsity level or above. Levels of depression were analyzed using a modified version of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) regarding the period of time either before/during injury or before/during athletic season (Zung, 1965). Demographic and self-perception questions were also asked using a survey. A two sample t-test for difference between means was performed to analyze the differences between change in Zung scores and the independent variables. The null hypothesis was rejected since a significant correlation was found between Zung scores for before/during injury and severity of injury, meaning that athletes were more likely to be depressed upon experiencing physical injury, especially if the injury was more severe.