Overcoming Psychological Challenges in School Sports: The Impact of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Girl Student-Hockey Players

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences-Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardebili-Ardebil-Iran

10.22098/jsp.2026.19663.6418

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on depression, anxiety, and stress levels in female student-hockey players.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of female hockey players in Ardabil Province. After purposive sampling, thirteen eligible participants were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=7) and a control group (n=6). The experimental group performed one session of HIIT per week for eight weeks in addition to their regular hockey practices. Each session consisted of three sets, each including four 4-minute running intervals at 85–95% of maximal heart rate, with 3 minutes of active recovery at 50–70% HRmax between intervals. The control group continued their regular training program only. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured before and after the intervention using the validated DASS-21 questionnaire. Ethical considerations were observed by obtaining informed consent. After checking assumptions (Shapiro–Wilk and Levene tests), data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Results: The results showed that the intervention significantly reduced depression (p=0.014), anxiety (p=0.007), and stress (p=0.017). These findings indicate a reliable effect of HIIT on improving psychological indicators.
Conclusion: HIIT appears to be an effective approach for reducing psychological problems and improving mental health among adolescent female hockey players

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Journal of School Psychology
Volume 15, Issue 3
September 2026

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