Chapter 6 - A social identity approach to enhancing youth development and sport participation

Abstract

Social identity represents the identity associated with group membership (e.g., sport team). There is an extensive body of literature involving social identity, and emerging research in youth sport indicates its influence on young athletes’ cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. Within this chapter, we provide a broad overview of the conceptualization and key literature pertaining to social identity. We also position it as a topic that is central to understanding youth experiences by describing the general findings in sport and discussing pertinent developmental considerations for youth athletes. Finally, we offer conceptual and methodological directions to advance future research in this emerging area.