Comparison of anxiety and depression symptoms in college athletes and non-athletes, according to sexual orientation.

• Grant number: 24/12453-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Fabrício Eduardo Rossi
• Grantee: André Felipe Oliveira da Cruz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: College life is a period of great challenges and transitions, filled with stressors that lead to a high incidence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Other factors can further compromise mental health, particularly gender identity and sexual orientation, especially in environments where there is little acceptance and/or understanding. This can lead to the onset of anxiety disorders and depression. Objectives: To compare symptoms of anxiety and depression in college athletes and non-athletes, according to sexual orientation. Methods: College athletes (with more than one year of competition at the university level) and non-athletes of both sexes will be recruited and categorized into four groups according to sexual orientation: heterosexual/cisgender athletes (straight athletes), heterosexual non-athletes, non-heterosexual athletes, and non-heterosexual non-athletes, with non-heterosexual individuals belonging to the LGBTQIAPN+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual). This refers to sexual minorities who do not fit into cis-heteronormativity (i.e., those who are not heterosexual and/or do not identify with their assigned gender) (Brazil, 2020). Anxiety symptoms will be assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire. Depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PHQ), validated for Portuguese. The Social Risk Index will be calculated considering risk factors such as gender, social class, and race, which are interdependent but have a combined or cumulative effect on the discrimination experienced by individuals. The individual's socioeconomic status will be classified as low, medium, or high. The normality of the data set will be verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. To compare groups according to sexual orientation, the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests will be used. Categorical variables will be compared using the Chi-square test. The Hosmer and Lemeshow test will then be applied to all variables, and binary logistic regression will be utilized as a multivariate model adjusted for gender, race, and socioeconomic status. In all analyses, the significance level will be set at p < 0.05. Expected Results: We expect to observe a lower prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in university athletes compared to non-athletes, as well as in LGBTQIAPN+ students who are athletes compared to their non-athlete peers, with sports acting as a protective factor against increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in this population. Scientific Impact and Relevance of the Study: For the LGBTQIAPN+ community, which often faces additional stressors such as discrimination and exclusion, sports can be a powerful tool for improving emotional well-being, self-esteem, and body image. Participation in physical activity and sports programs within inclusive groups can foster a greater sense of community, reduce social isolation, and promote mutually supportive relationships.