Exploring gender variations in wellness, burnout, sleep quality, and positive discomfort in semi-professional basketball athletes

Introduction: Semi-professional basketball players are exposed to substantial physical and psychological demands while simultaneously managing academic, occupational, and personal responsibilities. Objective: This study examined gender differences in wellness, burnout, sleep-related variables, and the Positive Symptom Distress Index (PSDI) among semi-professional basketball players, as well as the relationships among these variables. Methodology: A total of 96 semi-professional basketball players (60 females and 36 males) completed validated questionnaires assessing wellness, burnout, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. Results: Significant gender differences were observed only for PSDI, with male players reporting higher levels of psychological distress than female players. No significant differences were found in wellness, burnout, or sleep deprivation. Correlation and regression analyses revealed sex-specific patterns: in females, wellness was negatively associated with burnout and PSDI, whereas burnout and sleep deprivation were positively associated with PSDI. In males, PSDI was primarily predicted by sleep deprivation. Discussion: These findings emphasize the importance of adopting gender-sensitive and multidimensional approaches to monitoring psychological well-being and recovery-related factors in semi-professional basketball players. Conclusions: Practitioners should implement integrated strategies that enhance recovery, reduce psychological distress, and prevent maladaptive responses, particularly in athletes balancing competitive sport with academic, occupational, and personal commitments.