Healthy-appropriate lifestyle as an intervening factor in perceiving stress and mood of amateur volleyball athletes

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing lifestyle as an intervening factor in perceiving stress and mood of amateur volleyball athletes. 217 athletes participated in the study (137 women and 80 men). Lifestyle was evaluated by using the Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire (Añes, Reis & Petroski, 2008); stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale, adapted by Luft et al. (2007), in addition to Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) (Mcnair, Lorr, Droppleman, 1971). One-Way ANOVA was used to compare perceived stress and mood according to lifestyle classification, followed by Tukey's Post-Hoc test. The Multiple Linear Regression was used to verify the association between lifestyle domains and perceived stress and mood. The results showed that the coping strategies of performance under pressure, confrontation with adversity, concentration, formulation of objectives, confidence and motivation were negatively associated with perceived stress (r between -0.22 and -0.32), and positively related to resilience (r between 0.28 and 0.43). The worry-free strategy was positively associated with perceived stress (r = 0.32). In conclusion, the athletes with a healthier lifestyle tend to have fewer symptoms of stress and negative mood state, in addition to a greater vigor feeling. Pre-sleep routine strategies are suggested, besides sleep hygiene practices and support for dealing with sleep disorders and, thus, enhance the athletes' rest and recovery.