Perceived effect of depression on semi-elite basketball players’ countenance in a selected higher institution in Nigeria

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the perceived effect of depression on semi-elite basketball players’ countenance in a university in Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of athletes who have represented Obafemi Awolowo University in national competitions. The sample size comprised 300 athletes selected across the 15 accredited sports in the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA). 20 athletes were selected from each sport using simple random sampling techniques. Athletes were selected on the field of play. A self-designed research instrument titled “Depression and Emotional Stability Questionnaire” (DESQ) was used to collect data from athletes. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics of percentages, mean and standard deviation and regression at 0.05 level of significant. The result indicated that there exists a strong effect of depression on athletes’ countenance (F=55.688