Media representations and athlete identities: Examining benefits for sport psychology

Abstract

Although a small body of research in sport psychology has begun to study media representations, the analyses of media representations and athlete identities are on the margins of sport psychology. In this article we outline why the study of media representations and athletic identities is useful for sport psychology. The purpose is accomplished by centralising a social constructionist conception of identity to highlight why focusing on media representations expands understanding of identity and the psychological experiences, social behavioural and health consequences. These points are illustrated with examples from media research in sport psychology grounded in social constructionism (e.g., discursive psychology and cultural studies).We conclude that critical constructionist approaches focusing on media discourse/narratives, athlete identities and the psychological implications are useful because they further critical cultural sport psychology research. This ‘critical research agenda’ focuses on more nuanced examinations of the socio-cultural context of sport and athletic identities to expand possibilities for change, resistance and inclusion of multiple, fluid identities and positive health outcomes.