Using the GAD-7 and GAD-2 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screeners With Student-Athletes: Empirical and Clinical Perspectives

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Alisia G.T.T. Tran Arizona State University

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2020-0028
Keywords:
clinical evaluation; health; health care; health promotion; psychology
First Published Online:
10 Nov 2020
In Print:
Volume 34: Issue 4
Page Range:
300–309
Restricted access

With the aim of supporting anxiety screening of student-athletes, this study examined the psychometric performance of the GAD-7 and GAD-2 for assessing anxiety and other clinical mental health concerns (depression, past-year and recent suicidality) in student-athletes. Data from intercollegiate varsity athletes (N = 7,584) were drawn from the Healthy Minds Study. Reliability estimates were good in the sample. Area under the curve values were excellent for anxiety and fair to good for depression and suicidality. Across all clinical indicators, a cutoff of 6 (GAD-7) and 2 (GAD-2), respectively, yielded the most balanced sensitivity and specificity rates. Both measures positively correlated with functional impairment, academic impact, and perceived mental health and negatively correlated with positive mental health. Overall, results supported the reliability, accuracy, and construct validity of the GAD-7 and GAD-2 in a national student-athlete sample. Discussion focuses on clinical implications and practical usage of the GAD-7 and GAD-2 with student-athletes.

Tran (alisia@asu.edu) is with the Counseling and Counseling Psychology, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.

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