An examination of the reciprocal associations between physical activity and anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality during the first 9 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium

ObjectivesThis study described differences in lifestyle factors (sleeping problems/fatigue, pressure/activation), perceived coach autonomy support and indicators of mental health (well-being and poor general mental health) across various age groups (children ≤12 years, youths 13–15 years, junior to senior ≥16 years) and sports (basketball and gymnastics). Second, the relationships between lifestyle factors and mental health indicators were explored, hypothesising that the relationships would be mediated by perceived coach autonomy support.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was implemented by using an online survey which assessed lifestyle and environmental factors as well as mental health indicators. Participants were recruited through sports clubs in basketball and gymnastics. A total of 209 athletes (77 basketball players and 132 gymnasts) in the age range of 10–22 (median=13) years volunteered to complete the survey.ResultsSeparate two-way analyses of variance showed significant main effects for age group on sleeping problems/fatigue, sleep quantity, pressure/activation, well-being and poor general mental health, with higher scores reported for older age groups of athletes. Path analysis displayed sleeping problems/fatigue and pressure/activation to significantly affect decreased well-being and poor general mental health; however, the relationships were not mediated by perceived coach autonomy support.ConclusionLifestyle factors play a prominent role in mental health outcomes. Researchers studying athlete mental health should consider both general lifestyle and sports-related factors, considering developmental phases in the young athlete’s sporting context and overall life.

Upon the outbreak of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, it was clear that the pandemic would not only entail physical but also psychological challenges and threats to individuals’ sustained motivation, behavioral adherence, and mental health. To encourage the Belgian authorities to take these psychological aspects into account, the Motivation Barometer, a large‐scale and dynamic survey, was launched in March 2020. Its purpose was to monitor cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of citizens’ functioning across the pandemic, with special attention given to motivational and social factors. In the present review, we provide a description of the methodology of the Motivation Barometer, we synthesize the key findings emerging from the Motivation Barometer, we clarify how these findings were used in practice to the benefit of different societal stakeholders (i.e., the broader public, policymakers, intermediate‐level organizations, and media), and we highlight its potential contribution for the management of other societal challenges (e.g., climate change, well‐being). We conclude that the Motivation Barometer was a critical policy instrument during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic in Belgium. It helped to bridge the gap between social scientists, policymakers, the media, and the general public, and, as such, allowed to demonstrate the incremental value of psychological sciences for society.

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