Athletic Identity Research Articles

The Effect of Athletic Identity and Other Factors on Adaptation to Sport Retirement

Sport retirement is a major life transition that student-athletes must navigate successfully to achieve adaptation to post-sport life. Numerous factors dictate the likelihood of successful adaptation, one of which is athletic identity. Based on thorough review of the occupational retirement literature, it has been determined that adaptation can be measured by life satisfaction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how athletic identity impacts present-day life satisfaction and if meaning in life mediates that effect. Meaning in life can be separated into two categories, the presence of and search for meaning in life. Through a quantitative survey of 104 former Division I student-athletes, we discovered significant relationships between the search for and presence of meaning in life and life satisfaction. No relationship was found between athletic identity and life satisfaction. Thus, retrospective athletic identity does not predict present-day life satisfaction unless the mediating effect of the search for meaning in life is present. Additionally, group differences were measured between sexes, type of sport played (e.g., draft eligible or non-draft eligible), and predictability of retirement. There were significant differences on the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale between males (M = 36.1, SD = 7.9) and females (M = 32.1, SD = 7.8), t(100) = 2.55, p = .01.

Balancing Academics and Athletics: Examining Academic and Athletic Identity Profiles in a Large Sample of NCAA Division I College Athletes

College athletes balance academic and athletic roles and, as a result, can hold different combinations of academic and athletic identities. The purpose of this study was to identify common identity profiles in a large sample of Division I (elite) college athletes in the U.S. and to examine these profiles on a number of measures in academics and athletics: performance, motivation (e.g., achievement goals, autonomous motivation, competence, interest, effort, value, persistence, passion), satisfaction, and ethical conduct (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, sportspersonship, gamesmanship, aggression). Profiles were derived in Study 1 (N = 1124) and cross-validated with an independent sample in Study 2 (N = 184). Results showed four common identity profiles: (1) fully engaged college athletes with the highest academic and athletic identities, (2) committed athletes with a low academic identity and a high athletic identity, (3) academics-focused college athletes with an average academic identity and a low athletic identity, and (4) academically unengaged athletes with an extremely low academic identity and a low athletic identity. The identity profiles differed significantly across the measures of academic and athletic performance, achievement motivation (mastery, performance, task, and ego goals), satisfaction, and ethical conduct (academic misconduct, homework cheating, plagiarism, test cheating, sportspersonship, gamesmanship, instrumental aggression) in Study 1, as well as autonomous motivation (competence, relatedness, value/usefulness, effort/importance), academic persistence, and athletic passion (harmonious, obsessive) in Study 2. Taken together, findings provided evidence of both the multidimensional nature of college athletes’ identities and the heterogeneity of the college athlete population. Overall, these findings point to the importance of concurrent examination of academic and athletic identities as separate yet interrelated dimensions in research studies. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of college athletes' experiences and provides a more nuanced perspective on their identity development.

"I Can't Imagine Not Being an Athlete": A Retrospective Qualitative Analysis of the Factors that Influence Sport Passion Development in Collegiate Athletes

Athletes’ motivation, well-being, and outcomes in sport are heavily influenced by passion, which can be conceptualized as either harmonious (HP) or obsessive (OP) (Vallerand et al., 2003). Although the effects of HP and OP have been repeatedly observed, factors that cause these passion types to surface have scarcely been studied (Mageau et al., 2009). The purpose of this study was to identify the major factors impacting HP and OP in collegiate athletes and note the differences in these pathways. Data collection occurred in two distinct phases: Phase I surveyed participants’ sport passion levels, and Phase II selected athletes whose scores met certain criteria for follow-up interviews. During these interviews, the researcher explored each participant's sport journey from youth to college. Overarching categories identified from the athletes’ rendition of their sport experiences were passion identifiers (enjoyment, time and energy investment, value), athletic identity (“I am an athlete” vs. “I am not only an athlete”), fulfillment/frustration of autonomy (autonomy support vs autonomy thwarting), perception of feedback (support independent of performance outcomes vs. pressure to perform well), and motivation (extrinsic vs. intrinsic). The main differences between groups were seen in enjoyment, extrinsic motivation, exclusive athletic identity, pressure to perform well, and autonomy thwarting. Implications from the study include that parents and coaches can foster the development of HP by providing ample autonomy support, encouraging intrinsic motivation and a well-rounded identity, offering more support than pressure, and explicitly communicating that support is not attached to contingencies.

Relationship Between Resiliency, Personality Traits, Athletic Identity, and Dynamic Balance and Functional Performance with the Occurrence of Sports Injuries in Female Bodybuilders

Background: Bodybuilding is a widely embraced physical activity pursued for health enhancement and fitness improvement. However, reports indicate a notable prevalence of sports injuries among bodybuilders. Objectives: This study aims to explore the correlation between resiliency, personality traits, athletic identity, dynamic balance of upper and lower limbs, and functional performance with the occurrence of sports injuries in female bodybuilders, addressing a gap in previous research on this specific population. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Tehran from 2022 to 2023. Standardized questionnaires assessing personality traits, resiliency, athletic identity, and sports injuries, along with functional screening tests and the Y balance test for upper and lower limbs, were administered to 110 female bodybuilders (average age 36.8 ± 1.8). Results: The findings revealed that sports injuries are prevalent among female bodybuilders, with an average prevalence rate of 40.1%. The most commonly affected areas were the lower back (19.1%), knee (17.6%), and shoulder (14.7%). In terms of personality traits and resiliency, female bodybuilders with a history of injury exhibited higher mean scores in neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, and athletic identity compared to those without a history of injury (P < 0.05), while responsibility and resilience scores were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Moreover, the average scores of the lower limb Y balance test and FMS for female bodybuilders with a history of injury were significantly lower than those without a history of injury (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that athletic trainers and physiotherapists should consider these psychological and functional factors to help prevent sports injuries among female bodybuilders.

Athletic Identity and Sport Injury Processes and Outcomes in Young Athletes: A Supplemental Narrative Review.

Background: Identity formation, a primary developmental task of adolescence, may be particularly relevant to another commonly occurring event for young athletes-sport injury. Relationships between a subdimension of self-identity-athletic identity-and sport injury processes and outcomes have been documented in the general athlete population. The purpose of this supplemental narrative review is to explore the potential role of athletic identity in the risk of injury occurrence and responses to and consequences of injury among young athletes. Methods: Studies on athletic identity in relation to sport injury, with a focus on young athletes, were extracted from a recent scoping review and identified through an updated literature search from April 2020 through June 2024. A total of 23 studies were examined. Results: Across the studies reviewed, high levels of athletic identity were associated with a reluctance to report injury-related symptoms, a tendency to endorse attitudes and behaviors reflecting a willingness to play through pain and injury, intensified physical and psychological symptoms after injury, a disposition toward over-adhering to rehabilitation, high levels of postinjury coping skills, and better functional and return-to-sport outcomes after injury among young athletes. Conclusions: Athletic identity may, therefore, be a source of both strength and vulnerability in young athletes in terms of sport injury processes and outcomes.

Experiences of a controlled early exercise intervention following a sport-related concussion: A qualitative study of rugby union student-athletes

BackgroundEarly aerobic exercise is associated with improved outcomes following recovery from sport-related concussion (SRC) and is now recommended in guidance for clinicians managing athletes return-to-play. ObjectivesTo explore student-athlete experiences of a novel early aerobic exercise intervention. DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews. SettingLoughborough University, UK. ParticipantsTen rugby union university aged student-athletes (6 men) that had been medically diagnosed with an SRC sustained playing rugby. ResultsThree themes divided into eight supporting subthemes were generated. Main findings were: 1) Experience: despite some apprehension over the novel approach, most had a positive experience, 2) Adherence: Participants suggested reasonably good overall adherence to the prescribed exercises but intrinsic and extrinsic factors for non-adherence were identified, 3) Outcomes: the intervention was perceived to help rehabilitation, improve confidence, support retention of athletic identity and, for some, influenced more cautious attitudes toward brain health. ConclusionsThe novel early exercise intervention was reasonably well received and adhered to. Unintended benefits included supporting retainment of athletic identity and encouraging precautious health behaviours. As early exercise protocols are refined, these findings will help inform the design and delivery of future interventions, particularly in relation to intensity and diversity of exercises and supporting education.

Risk profiles for self-medication with analgesics among elite German handball players

This study presents empirical evidence on self-medication with analgesics among elite German handball players. The aim is to elucidate the intentions behind therapeutic and preventive analgesic use and identify high-risk profiles for this complex health-risk behavior based on psychosocial factors. Data were collected from 459 handball players (233 female, 226 male athletes) across the highest German divisions (1st – 3rd and German Youth Handball Bundesliga) through a quantitative online survey conducted between October 2021 and April 2022. The survey requested demographic information and details on analgesic use patterns, intentions behind analgesic use, and psychosocial variables. The study shows that athletes use self-medication with painkillers as a coping strategy to manage distractions from acute injuries and pain as well as to prevent expected distractions. Engaging in self-medication allows athletes to navigate the pressures of elite sport. Classification tree analysis revealed distinct risk profiles for therapeutic and preventive analgesic use. Key factors of self-medication include age, athletic identity, willingness to compete hurt, and perceived performance state. The high-risk group for therapeutic self-medication with analgesics consists of senior athletes. The high-risk group for using analgesics preventively, in contrast, is composed of athletes over the age of 17 with strong negative affectivity, a heightened willingness to take risks, and good perceived performance. Our findings highlight the necessity for specific interventions to address the multifaceted motivations behind self-medication and promote safer practices in elite sports. Future research should concentrate on longitudinal studies and diverse athlete populations and use qualitative studies to gain a deeper understanding of the determinants of analgesic use and to develop effective intervention strategies.

The relationship between demographic factors, psychological distress, COVID worries, resilience, and athletic identity: A study of collegiate student-athletes

The COVID-19 pandemic provided athletes with an entirely new unforeseen circumstance, as many collegiate sport events and seasons were halted or canceled, forcing athletes into premature and non-normative retirement from sport. In the current study we analyzed the relationship between demographic factors, psychological distress, COVID worries, resilience, and athletic identity while controlling for student-athletes’ year of eligibility and NCAA division. Three-hundred and twenty-five student-athletes (232 females; 88 males; 5 non-binary) participated in the study by completing a demographic survey, the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, and the COVID-specific worries questionnaire, which were administered electronically through a Qualtrics survey link. A stepwise hierarchical regression analysis revealed that (a) being either a senior (β = -0.15, p = .03) or a junior (β = -0.12, p = .01) was associated with lower levels of athletic identity; and (b) higher psychological distress scores were positively related to athletic identity (β = 0.14, p = .01). A path analysis revealed that resilience predicted psychological distress (β = -0.159, p = .01), which in turn predicted both COVID worries (β = 0.43, p < .01) and athletic identity (β = 0.12, p = .03).

“What Is the ROI on That?”: Examining the Lack of Transition Support for Collegiate Athletes

While athletic role engulfment is positively correlated to athletic success, collegiate athletes also experience harmful effects from this role. As the socialization process to develop a salient athletic identity initially takes years, collegiate athletes typically face various challenges transitioning out of their athletic role. Although working within the contested and problematic context of intercollegiate athletics, athletic development staff are, ostensibly, employed to assist in the holistic development of collegiate athletes and occupy an integral role in mitigating athletes’ transitions and athletic role engulfment. Accordingly, the present study sought to examine the experiences and programmatic elements currently utilized by athletic development staff. Through in-depth interviews with 10 senior athletic development staff members at nine Atlantic Coast Conference member institutions, findings illustrate the difficulties in attempting to combat athletic role engulfment due to contradictory logic between intra-institutional members. We conceptualize that such competing institutional logic serves as the primary detriment of collegiate athletes’ preparedness for post-athletic transition.

Beyond physical recovery: investigating athletic identity as a mediator between social support and psychological readiness for return to sport

ABSTRACT Objective Despite consensus on the positive relationships between social support, psychological readiness for returning to sport, and athletic identity, debate persists regarding the specific impact of these factors on athletes’ athletic identity and psychological readiness. This study investigated athletic identity as a mediator between social support and psychological readiness for returning to sport. Method The research involved two phases. In Phase 1, four bilingual translators translated the Athletic Identity Scale and the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport scale into Chinese using the forward-backward translation. A pilot study assessed the scales’ face validity with 30 athletes who had experienced injuries. In Phase 2, 234 injured athletes (age: M = 19.28, SD = 1.98) completed the translated measurements from Phase I and the existing Chinese version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results Findings showed a positive correlation between social support and both athletic identity and psychological readiness. However, athletic identity did not mediate the relationship between social support and psychological readiness. Conclusions We recommend using various measurement tools to capture psychological readiness, particularly in the later return-to-sport stages and suggest that coaches and teammates hold welcome ceremonies to enhance psychological readiness and athletic identity through social support.

Pre and Post Competition Psychology and its Relationship with Competition Results in Lawn Bowl Disabilities Athletes in Asian Paragames 2022

This research purpose was investigated the psychology of disabilities athletes before and after the competition and the relationship with the results of the lawn bowl competition at the Asian Paragames 2022. The research method used is a survey. The 12 blind athletes (6 men and 6 women) participating in this study were aged 37.67±11.07 years, weight 68.58±10.13 kg, height 165.00±7.07 cm, and had 3.19±1.06 years of experience playing lawn bowls. Data analysis was carried out using paired t-test and regression analysis with significance at p&amp;lt;0.05. The results of the paired t-test revealed significant differences before and after the competition in athletic identity (p = 0.000), anxiety (p = 0.000), self-efficacy in sports (p = 0.000), expectations of success (p = 0.000), and mood profile (p = 0.000). The results of the regression analysis revealed that the regression model which included anxiety, athletic identity, expectations of success, self-efficacy in sports, and mood profile was significant for competition outcomes (F = 101.75, p = 0.000), with 99.92% of competition outcomes explained by variations in psychological variables (R square = 0.992). Based on the relationship, only anxiety shown a negative relationship to the competition results with a regression coefficient of -3.102 for anxiety-state and -0.723 for anxiety-trait. In conclusion, improvements are needed in athletic identity, self-efficacy, expectancy of success, and a positive mood profile to reduce the anxiety level before competition then improve competition performance better in lawn bowl athletes.

Athlete Identity and Satisfaction of Student-Athletes in Selected Universities in Kenya

Strong athlete identity and satisfaction with being an athlete are linked to better performance. This is because student-athletes are more motivated and feel a sense of belonging. However, research on how these factors connect with details like gender or competition level in student-athletes, especially in Kenya, is lacking. Using an analytical cross-sectional design and the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale-Plus (AIMS-Plus) and Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire (ASQ), this study examined the relationship between athlete identity and satisfaction among university student-athletes in relation to gender, year of study, and level of competition. A total of 309 (52.4% males and 47.6% females) Kenyan university student-athletes participated in the study. Results revealed females had a slightly stronger athlete identity (4.00 ± 0.478) than male student-athletes (3.93 ± 0.503), but there was no significant correlation between gender and athlete identity. Similarly, females had higher athlete satisfaction (4.24 ± 0.443) than male student-athletes (4.09 ± 0.576), and the relationship between gender and athlete satisfaction was statistically significant (p =.017). Investigated demographic characteristics only explained (3.5%) variance in student-athlete identity (R2 adjusted =.035, F (4, 263) = 3.391, p =.010) and (3.2%) in athlete satisfaction (R2 adjusted =.032, F(4,263) = 3.210, p =.013). The study concluded that universities should provide enhanced training facilities, regular competition opportunities, and a supportive environment for athletes in low-level competitions. Future research could address athlete identity beyond demographics such as coach leadership, education goals, team task contribution, and variables that provide a more comprehensive understanding of athletic identity and satisfaction.

Descendants of the dragon: racialized mixed Chineseness in immigrant China

ABSTRACT Following China’s rise as an economic powerhouse, the country’s immigrant population has quickly increased and diversified, leading to an increase in romantic relationships between foreign and Chinese citizens. This article analyzes the racialization of belonging and citizenship of Chinese nationals born into Chinese-foreign families living in China. Drawing on data gathered through analyzing online debates and media reports, supplemented by interviews and fieldwork observations, the article investigates how discussions about the identity of vloggers, pop stars, and athletes of mixed Chinese-foreign descent shed light on rising Chinese racial nationalism at a time when China has become a destination for international migration and a new frontier for racial knowledge production. We argue that this process is characterized by a tension between China’s emergence as an immigrant society and the hardening boundaries of its national identity.

Meaning in life of elite athletes: A person-oriented study

People’s subjective sense of meaning in life is a flourishing research topic in psychology but remains underexplored in sport psychology. This study uses a person-oriented method to shed light on meaning in the lives of elite athletes (i.e., latent profile analysis) to identify distinct profiles of sources of meaning in life, and compare the extent to which these profiles differ in relation to athletic identity, life satisfaction, and self-esteem. A sample of 593 Swiss elite athletes (50.4% women, 49.6% men; Mage = 24.78 years, SD = 4.93) participated in the study. The Meaning and Purpose Scales (MAPS) were used to assess athletes’ perceptions of meaningfulness, crisis of meaning, and sources of meaning. Athletes demonstrated higher overall meaningfulness, lower crisis of meaning, and prioritized different sources of meaning compared to the general population. Latent profile analysis revealed three distinct meaning profiles: (1) athletes with multiple meanings (n = 351), (2) athletes with low meaning (n = 126), and (3) faith-based athletes (n = 110). Notably, the athletes in the first and last profile exhibited higher life satisfaction and self-esteem. The identified profiles demonstrate that athletes differ both in the degree and the types of meaning in life. The findings align with studies outside of sport that suggest that meaning in life, in addition to being an end-value in itself, is also related to enhanced life satisfaction and self-esteem. Personalized meaning-focused interventions can be valuable for applied practice with elite athletes.

Athletic Identity Associations in Young Sports Medicine Patients.

Few studies have assessed athletic identity levels in young patients. This study examined athletic identity in adolescents and explored associations between athletic identity, patterns of sport participation, and coping skills. Patients aged 12 to 18 years who received sports medicine care completed a one-time, voluntary, anonymous survey. Surveys included demographics, sport participation information, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), and Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI). Statistical analysis included Fisher exact test, Student t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson correlation. Three hundred thirty-four patients (mean ± SD age 15.0 ± 1.8 years, 64.7% girls) completed questionnaires. The mean AIMS and ACSI scores were 45.2 ± 11.5 and 50.2 ± 10.9, respectively. No notable differences were observed in AIMS scores between age groups or sexes. An increase in mean AIMS scores (higher athletic identity) was seen with greater weekly hours of sport participation (P < 0.001) and months per year of primary sport participation (P < 0.001). Multisport per season athletes had higher AIMS scores than single-sport athletes (48.2 ± 10.1 vs. 43.0 ± 11.9, P < 0.001). Team sport athletes reported higher athletic identities than individual sport athletes (47.0 ± 10.7, 41.4 ± 11.4, P < 0.001). Athletic Identity Measurement Scale scores positively correlated with ACSI scores (r = 0.31, P < 0.0001). Athletes with the highest athletic identity had markedly higher scores on ACSI subscales of Coachability, Concentration, Confidence and Achievement Motivation, Goal Setting and Mental Preparation, and Peaking Under Pressure than athletes with the least athletic identity. However, those with the highest athletic identities reported significantly lower scores on the ACSI Freedom From Worry subscale (P < 0.001). Athletic identity did not differ among adolescents by age or sex. Athletic identity was higher in team sport athletes and those with increased sport participation volumes. While high athletic identity was associated with higher scores on favorable coping skill dimensions, these athletes may also worry more, potentially placing them at greater psychological risk after injury.

Black male college athletes’ self-schemata and (Un)critical consciousness

ABSTRACT Extant literature on the experiences of Black male college athletes focuses on outcomes, such as their college engagement (academic, athletic, and social), graduation rates, and post-college transitions. However, there is a lack of focus on the antecedents of these outcomes. This article offers empirical findings from a study of 16 Black male college athletes’ developmental experiences at Division I historically white institutions. The study employed a constructivist grounded theory methodology and incorporated a three-stage coding analysis to make sense of data. A key finding from this study is the identification of the (Sub)Conscious Decision-Making Filter, which is comprised of the following four components: (a) Self-Schemata; (b) Critical Racial Consciousness; (c) Social Associations Related to Racial, Athletic, and Student Identities; and (d) Internal Conflict. Data analysis offers insights into the meaning-making processes of Black male college athletes as they exist in majority white spaces, which is vital for sport administrators who seek to support the optimal holistic development of this important stakeholder group.

Navigating sexual minority identity in sport: a qualitative exploration of sexual minority student-athletes in China

BackgroundSexual minority student-athletes (SMSAs) face discrimination and identity conflicts in intercollegiate sport, impacting their participation and mental health. This study explores the perceptions of Chinese SMSAs regarding their sexual minority identities, aiming to fill the current gap in research related to non-Western countries.MethodsA qualitative methodology was adopted, utilising the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach with self-categorization theory as the theoretical framework. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling, and data were collected via semi-structured interviews, documents, and field notes. Sixteen former and current Chinese SMSAs participated in this study.ResultsThe study reveals four themes: hidden truths, prioritisation of athlete identity, self-stereotyping, and attempt. The results revealed that while SMSAs were common in intercollegiate sport, their identities were often concealed and not openly discussed. The predominant focus on athlete identity in sport overshadowed their sexual minority identities. Additionally, SMSAs developed self-stereotypes that influenced their thoughts and behaviours. The non-heterosexual team atmosphere in women’s teams led to the development of intimate relationships among teammates.ConclusionsThe findings from this study could be incorporated into existing sport policies to ensure the safe participation of SMSAs in Chinese intercollegiate sports. This research offers valuable insights for the development and implementation of inclusive policies. Future research in China could investigate the attitudes of coaches and heterosexual student-athletes toward sexual minority identities to inform targeted interventions.

Toward a more culturally nuanced approach to assessing athletic and exercise identities in sport psychology research: a confirmatory factor analysis approach with South Korean male student-athletes

ABSTRACT The identities of “athlete” and “exerciser” share conceptual similarities but can be differentiated by the ways in which their respective objectives, motivations, and intentions significantly diverge. However, there is a gap in the literature addressing the ambiguity and inconsistent use of these terms in the context of South Korea. The linguistic discrepancy in how these terms are conceptualised and operationalised has important implications for the study of athletes’ long-term health and well-being, where a nuanced perspective on identity is necessary for understanding physical activity behaviour and health outcomes through the transition out of competitive sport. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to refine the terminology used in the previously translated versions of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale and Exercise Identity Scale and examine whether refined questionnaires appropriately represent similar but distinct concepts. Using software program R, this aim was addressed through a two-factor confirmatory factor analysis of the measurement scales within a sample of South Korean male student-athletes (N = 232, Mage = 19.93 ± 1.22 years). Global fit indices of the final model demonstrated acceptable fit χ2 (101) = 208.512, p < .01, CFI = .95, RMSEA = .07 (90% Confidence Interval: .06 – .08), SRMR = .06 and the local fit indices further supported convergent and discriminant validity of the scales within the sample. Recognition of cultural differences and nuances related to the terms “athlete” vs. “exerciser” and “sport” vs. “exercise” is important for fostering a comprehensive understanding of these identities within sport and exercise psychology research.

Assessment of Sex-Specific Associations between Athletic Identity and Nutrition Habits in Competitive Youth Athletes.

Given the psychological aspects of sports nutrition, understanding one's athletic identity (AI) may improve targeted nutrition education. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine nutrition habits and AI among uninjured youth athletes. Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) and custom Sports Nutrition Assessment for Consultation (SNAC) scores collected prospectively at local sporting events were retrospectively assessed via Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, logistic regression, and ANCOVA tests (95% CI). Among 583 athletes (14.5 ± 2.1 years; 59.9% female), the total AIMS scores did not differ by sex (males 39.9 ± 7.2; females 39.3 ± 7.5; maximum 70). The Social Identity (p = 0.009) and Exclusivity (p = 0.001) subscores were higher in males, while the Negative Affectivity subscores were lower (p = 0.019). Females reported frequent associations between SNAC and AIMS, particularly Negative Affectivity, which was positively associated with stress fracture history (p = 0.001), meal-skipping (p = 0.026), and desiring nutrition knowledge (p = 0.017). Males receiving weight recommendations reported higher Negative Affectivity subscores (p = 0.003), and higher total AIMS scores were observed in males with fatigue history (p = 0.004) and a desire for nutrition knowledge (p = 0.012). Fatigue and stress fracture history predominated in high-AI males and females, respectively, suggesting that poor sports nutrition may present differently by sex. As suboptimal nutrition was frequently related to high Negative Affectivity subscores, these habits may increase following poor sports performance.

Athlete identity in para-sport: A comparative study of athletes with congenital and acquired disabilities

BackgroundIdentity development explores how individuals perceive themselves based on their life experiences, including their current self and aspirations. Athlete Identity has been studied using a 4-factor framework across various sports and ability groups. However, there is limited research on how individuals with physical disabilities perceive themselves as athletes and how an acquired disability impacts identity compared to a congenital disability. ObjectiveTo test the validity of the 4-Factor Model of Athlete Identity and to determine if athletic identity differs between para-athletes who have congenital versus acquired disabilities. MethodsSecondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. Participants consisted of 408 individuals (8 years and older) who play wheelchair basketball (n = 315 male; 29.13 ± 13.89 yrs; M ± SD) who responded to a brief online questionnaire including basic demographics and the 10-item Athlete Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS). ResultsNo significant differences in total AIMS scores were found between participants with congenital disabilities and participants with acquired disabilities. Age was a significant covariate. Eigenvalue analysis of the AIMS scores shows that 2 factors describe this population of athletes. ConclusionsDisability acquisition is not associated with total AIMS scores. Athletic identity is weaker in older participants suggesting a more inclusive self-schema as one ages. The 4-factor model of Athletic Identity is not applicable in this population. Continued research into the intersection of athlete and disability identity is warranted. Abstract presentedNorth American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity, 2019.