Date of Award
10-2024
Document Type
Doctoral Research Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Vida L.Tyc, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Theodore G. Petersen, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Scott A. Gustafson, Ph.D.
Fourth Advisor
Lisa A. Steelman, Ph.D.
Abstract
Competitive video gaming, or “esports,” has quickly become a popular college extracurricular. Its classification as a varsity sport on many campuses reflects a broader shift in cultural conceptualizations and perceptions of athleticism. As esports continue to evolve in today’s increasingly digital world, new professional leagues emerge, and viewership rivals that of traditional physical sports. Esports can be a gateway for unique opportunities for college students; however, it may also pose some challenges. This study explored differences between digital and physical athletes, who must balance their chosen activity with other collegiate responsibilities, including academic, social, and physical health. Physical sports and esports athletes were compared in terms of athletic identity, health behaviors, cognitive functioning, and mental health outcomes. Data from 244 athletes (179 physical sports; 65 esports) was analyzed, revealing that esports athletes reported significantly higher depressive symptoms than physical sports athletes. Esports athletes exhibited greater functional disability as well. They also outperformed physical sports athletes in cognitive tasks of visual motor speed and reaction time. Physical sports athletes, on the other hand, reported stronger athletic identity. Notably, critical predictors of depressive symptoms included athletic social role identity and sleep quality for both types of athletes; Sleep quality predicted symptoms of anxiety as well. Interestingly, higher family role rankings were linked to lower depression and anxiety symptoms. Overall, these results suggest that while esports athletes may excel in certain cognitive areas, they face greater challenges in mental health and functional disability compared to physical athletes. These findings are important because they highlight the unique mental health challenges all collegiate athletes face, emphasizing the need for tailored support systems to help them balance the demands of their chosen sport with academic, social, and physical well-being.
Recommended Citation
Poskus, Jessica, "OUT OF LEFT SCREEN: FACTORS IMPACTING WELL-BEING IN DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETES" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1533.
https://repository.fit.edu/etd/1533
Comments
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