Relationships Between Vulnerability and Depression Among Japanese University Athletes

Introduction & Purpose: In the case of an excessive burden imposed on self, a person with vulnerability he/she perceives unprotected against the load. Vulnerability is defined as “a susceptibility to damage to self, a state that may be fragile or hurt.” University athletes may often experience psychological, physical, and social stressors, which may cause vulnerable athletes to exhibit stress responses. Our previous studies of vulnerability among athletes have revealed that women have higher scores than men. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between vulnerability and depression among Japanese university athletes by gender.