Depressive symptoms in Icelandic elite athletes: A prospective examination through the lens of the response styles theory

Abstract

The aim was to explore depressive symptoms through the response styles theory in Icelandic elite athletes using a longitudinal research design. A total of 79 Icelandic elite and national team athletes were included in the study (M = 23.5, SD = 4.8, age range 18–37, females 75.9%). Higher perceived stress and brooding rumination (maladaptive response to negative mood) independently predicted higher depressive symptom scores over the study period. Athletes who reported higher brooding tendencies in the beginning of the study, were significantly more likely than those reporting lower tendencies, to report higher increases in depressive symptoms when stress levels increased over the study period. The findings supported the validity of exploring individual differences in depressive symptoms through the lens of the response styles theory in the athletes. Future research could explore the relationship between brooding rumination, athletic performance, and mental health issues, and test interventions targeting brooding rumination in athletes.