Key result
Female amateur football referees reported higher depression (p<0.01) and anxiety (p=0.02) scores than males, with younger referees (23-27 years) also showing higher symptom scores.
Why the study?
Referees officiating in amateur football leagues are exposed to stressors that can affect mental health, but little is known about their mental health symptoms.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,279)
Amateur football referees in Turkey, particularly females, younger individuals, and those with lower incomes or inadequate social support, experience significant mental health symptoms requiring targeted assessment and intervention.
May warrant targeted mental health screening in female and younger referees; leaves open causality and intervention effects.
Although referees who officiate in the amateur football leagues are exposed to various stressors that can negatively affect their mental health (MH), little is known about their MH symptoms. The purpose of the study was to evaluate MH symptoms of referees who officiate in the Turkish amateur football leagues. An online survey was sent to all referees in the Turkish amateur football leagues ( n = 4,900) incorporating standardized scales assessing depression, anxiety, and stress. A total of 1,279 referees participated in the study. Female referees reported higher depression ( p < .01) and anxiety ( p = .02) scores than males. Younger referees (23–27 years) reported higher depression ( p = .01) and anxiety ( p < .01) scores than older (>38 years) referees. Results showed that symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress scores were associated with marital status (being single), lower incomes, severe sports injury history, and inadequate social support. In light of these results, MH assessments should be undertaken to detect which referees are at greater risk of MH problems and facilitate appropriate and timely MH interventions. Further study is needed to inform MH risk reduction strategies and/or programming.
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Lima et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Mental health symptoms (n=1,279). Female amateur football referees reported higher depression (p<0.01) and anxiety (p=0.02) scores than males, with younger referees (23-27 years) also showing higher symptom scores.
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