Gratitude to God and mental well-being in U.S. collegiate athletes: the explanatory power of perceived indebtedness to God and meaning in life.
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| Title: | Gratitude to God and mental well-being in U.S. collegiate athletes: the explanatory power of perceived indebtedness to God and meaning in life. |
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| Authors: | Upenieks, Laura, Bounds, Elizabeth M., Nelson, Jenae M., Melton, Karen K., Glanzer, Perry, Schnitker, Sarah A. |
| Source: | Mental Health, Religion & Culture. Apr2024, Vol. 27 Issue 4, p327-348. 22p. |
| Subjects: | Mental illness prevention, Life, Mental health, Research funding, Anxiety, Loneliness, Psychological adaptation, Spirituality, Interpersonal relations, Athletic ability, Well-being, Athletic associations, Mental depression |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Abstract: | This study examines the potential salubrious role of religious gratitude as a protective factor for collegiate student-athlete mental health and the possible mediating role of perceived indebtedness to God and meaning in life. We draw on a sample of student-athletes from the United States (N = 415) who compete in NCAA Division 1 and 3 athletics. Our results suggest gratitude to God is associated with lower depressive and anxiety symptoms and less loneliness. Both indebtedness to God and meaning in life were found to be significant mediators of this association. The grateful and indebted disposition may lend itself to better mental well-being and social relationships in the context of sport, providing a unique and possibly untapped coping mechanism for religious athletes by reinforcing that their mattering to God and others is not contingent on their sport performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | This study examines the potential salubrious role of religious gratitude as a protective factor for collegiate student-athlete mental health and the possible mediating role of perceived indebtedness to God and meaning in life. We draw on a sample of student-athletes from the United States (N = 415) who compete in NCAA Division 1 and 3 athletics. Our results suggest gratitude to God is associated with lower depressive and anxiety symptoms and less loneliness. Both indebtedness to God and meaning in life were found to be significant mediators of this association. The grateful and indebted disposition may lend itself to better mental well-being and social relationships in the context of sport, providing a unique and possibly untapped coping mechanism for religious athletes by reinforcing that their mattering to God and others is not contingent on their sport performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 13674676 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/13674676.2024.2358975 |
