Design and methods: Expected results: Implications

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Supervisors: Dr Robert Morris, Dr Fleur-Michelle Hope, and Dr David Tod. Background: In clinical and community samples, there is robust evidence suggesting ...
Me, Myself, and My Thoughts: Does Rumination Predict Depression Symptoms in Elite Athletes? Richard E. Tahtinen School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science Supervisors: Dr Robert Morris, Dr Fleur-Michelle Hope, and Dr David Tod

Background:

Design and methods:

In clinical and community samples, there is robust evidence suggesting that depressive rumination (repetitive thinking about 1 depressed mood) predicts depression . In athletes, studies have linked the tendency to 2 ruminate to performance dysfunction , but its relation to depression has not been tested. The main aim of this project is to test if rumination predicts depression symptoms in elite athletes.

A longitudinal mixed-methods design in a sample of approximately 300 Icelandic national team athletes from a range of team and individual sports. Four waves of quantitative data will be collected (every six months) over the course of 18 months. Based on findings from the first two waves, participants with relevant depression experiences will be invited for interviews.

BASELINE ASSESSMENT

12-MONTH 9-MONTH ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT Sub-sample interviews 6-MONTH (mixed methods) ASSESSMENT and questionnaires. (quantitative) (mixed methods)

18-MONTH ASSESSMENT (mixed methods)

(quantitative) Does depressive rumination at baseline predict depression symptoms over time?

Expected results:

Implications:

It is expected that rumination at baseline predicts depression symptoms even after controlling for initial levels of depression. Mixed methods data will generate new knowledge about the temporal relationship between performance issues and depression, and the role of rumination in this relationship.

Ruminative tendencies could potentially be targeted in treatment and prevention to tackle symptoms of depression and performance related issues in elite athletes.

References: 1. Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Rethinking rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400–424. 2. Gardner, F. L., & Moore, Z. E. (2007). The psychology of enhancing human performance: The mindfulness-acceptancecommitment (MAC) approach. Springer Publishing Company