College student athlete versus nonathlete mental and social health factors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: This study investigated differences in stress, anxiety, and social support between collegiate student-athletes and nonathletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: College students enrolled at a NCAA Division III private liberal arts college in the Midwest. Methods: Participants (n = 58) completed a series of surveys each month for 4 months that included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale Questionnaire, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Questionnaire. Results: There were significant main effects of time for stress and social support across the 4 months (p < 0.05), but not for anxiety. There was a significant difference in anxiety levels between athletes and nonathletes (p < 0.01), but not for social support or stress (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Nonathletes maintained support networks, or found alternate outlets of support, in addition to coping with anxiety and stress levels when compared to athletes.

Effects of a peer health coaching program on college student lifestyle behaviors

Objective: Health coaching (HC) may promote healthy behaviors in incoming college students. Participants: 187 undergraduate students (76% female; age 18.6 ± 1.6) were recruited to participate in a peer HC program. Methods: Participants received four HC sessions in eight-weeks to work toward self-selected goals of physical activity (PA), diet, or stress management. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form, diet with the Eating Habits Confidence Survey, and stress with the Perceived Stress Scale. Results: Repeated measures ANOVAs investigated lifestyle behavior changes in 130 participants. Significant effects of time were reported, with a 39.6% gain in PA, 9.9% increase in dietary habit, and 16.3% decline in stress levels with moderate to large effect sizes (ηp2: 0.07-0.17; p< 0.01). Conclusion: The peer HC model promoted healthy lifestyles in college students. Additional research is needed to understand the effects of HC specifically for each goal, and student reactions to peer-led HC.