The relationship between self-concept clarity, athletic identity, athlete engagement and the mediating roles of quality of life and smartphone use in Chinese youth athletes

Abstract

BackgroundYouth athletes represent the future of competitive sports, so examining their commitment to sport is critical. This study investigated the impacts of self-concept clarity and athletic identity on athlete engagement among Chinese youth athletes, and the mediating roles of quality of life and smartphone use. Methods410 youth athletes from sports schools completed an online cross-sectional survey measuring self-concept clarity, athletic identity, quality of life, smartphone use, and athlete engagement. We used convenience sampling. Instruments included validated scales like the Self-Concept Clarity Scale. ResultsThe direct effect of self-concept clarity and athlete engagement in youth athletes was not significant (β = 0.04, p = 0.344), but there was a direct effect of athletic identity and athlete engagement (β = 0.61, p < 0.05). Quality of life mediated the relationships between self-concept clarity(indirect effect = −0.054, 95 % CI = −0.114, −0.019), athletic identity(indirect effect = 0.202, 95 % CI = 0.114, 0.349) and athlete engagement. ConclusionsThis study helps address gaps in understanding athlete engagement in youth athletes. The mediation model provides insights to improve self-concept clarity, athletic identity and quality of life to motivate greater engagement in youth athletes.