The Impact of Covid 19 Concerns on the Depression of Athlete Students with the Modifying Role of Teammate Social Connectedness

The global outbreak of COVID-19 was a sudden public reminder which the viral diseases are a constant threat to human health. Especially in the case of new and re-emerging illnesses, which pose a constant threat to the global health-care system. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Covid-19 concerns on the depression of Athlete Students with the Modifying Role of Teammate social connectedness. This is a descriptive-correlational study conducted using the field research method. Its statistical population consisted of student-athletes from region 9 of Iran. Using G*Power, the statistical sample was determined 146 people selected by available sampling. (PROMIS) Depression Questionnaire and the Teammate social connectedness and Covid-19 Concerns Questionnaire (Graupensperger, & et al) were used to collect data after their validity and reliability were confirmed. Data were analyzed using SPSS and PLS software. The study revealed that Covid-19 concern has a Positive and significant relationship on the student-athletes depression. Furthermore, Teammate social connectedness, In addition to the negative and significant relationship with athletes' depression, played a modifying role in the relationship between Covid-19 concern and student-athletes' depression and undermined this relationship. According to this study's findings, the athlete students are also exposed to major psychotherapy and psychological issues during the Corona era; thus, simple preventive strategies like social distancing while creating a teammate social connectedness system may be an important tool to combat depression during COVID-19.