Athletic Identity Measurement Scale 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.

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).

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.

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.

The Role of Athlete Identity, Motivation, and Satisfaction on the Mental Well-Being of Division I Collegiate Athletes

Concerns about the mental well-being of collegiate athletes, given high reports of psychological issues, have prompted a survey-based study among NCAA Division I student-athletes. The research explores the influence of athlete identity, motivation, and satisfaction on mental well-being, and how it varies among different NCAA classifications (i.e., G5, FCS, DI-NO). Instruments used include the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), the Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire (ASQ), the Student-Athlete’s Motivation Towards Sports and Academics Questionnaire (SAMSAQ), and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). The secondary aim investigates differences in these factors across Division I competition levels (i.e., G5, FCS, DI-NO). This study provides valuable insights into NCAA Division I collegiate athletes' mental well-being, uncovers obstacles to seeking help, such as perceived stigma and coach attitudes, and suggests improvements for institutional psychological programs. In understanding these psychological challenges and barriers, the research aims to inform the development of more effective mental well-being strategies and interventions for collegiate athletes.

“Is it Hard Out Here for a Player?”: Understanding the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Athletic Identity Among College Student Athletes

It is unclear what impact, if any, early experiences with trauma may have on athletic identity. Athletic identity may serve as a protective shield for those who have adverse childhood experiences. Self-identifying as an athlete as opposed to the identity that experienced the trauma could be a defense mechanism for self-protection. The primary purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and athletic identity as well as determine any influence from gender, ethnicity, and sport in a group of college athletes. Using Qualtrics software, 102 collegiate athletes currently enrolled in higher education institutions across varying NCAA divisions within the United States completed three measures: Personal Data Form, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), and Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey (ACES). Results found adverse childhood experiences were not significantly associated with Athletic Identity. However, results did show a difference between men and women, with a significant relationship between adverse childhood experiences and athletic identity in men but not women. Upon further examination, it was found that for men, consideration of ethnicity in conjunction with gender highlighted an even stronger relationship among Black men specifically. Implications for these findings, suggestions for university athletic departments, and recommendations for future research were made.

Adolescent Athletes with Stronger Athletic Identity Perceptions Have Weaker Fear Avoidance Perceptions During Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Return to Sports Preparation.

Adolescent athletes who sustain a musculoskeletal sports injury are at high re-injury risk. This prospective study evaluated athletic identity perception and fear avoidance perception relationships during the return to sport preparation phase of musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation. From 140 consecutive physical therapy outpatients, 50 (26 females, 24 males) adolescent athletes (mean age 16.8, range 14 to 22 y) completed the 7-item Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), the 10-item Athletic Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ), and the AFAQ with 2 additional movement-related fear and pain questions (AFAQ+). Correlational analysis was performed of overall AIMS and AIMS subscale scores (social identity, exclusivity, negative affectivity), with AFAQ and AFAQ+ scores ( P ≤0.05). Adolescent athletes were receiving treatment for musculoskeletal injuries sustained during soccer (n=10), lacrosse (n=7), baseball (n=6), basketball (n=5), volleyball (n=5), track or cross country (n=4), American football (n=4), field hockey or ice hockey (n=3), softball (n=2), tennis (n=2), and gymnastics (n=2). Lower extremity conditions included anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (n=23) or other lower extremity conditions (n=17). Upper extremity conditions included shoulder dislocation or labral repair (n=6), elbow sprain or fracture (n=3), and clavicle fracture (n=1). The AIMS score displayed moderate inverse relationships with AFAQ ( r =-0.40, P =0.008) and AFAQ+ ( r =-0.41, P <0.004) scores. The "social identity" AIMS subscale score displayed a moderate inverse relationship with AFAQ ( r =- 0.48, P <0.001) and AFAQ+ ( r =-0.46, P =0.001) scores. The "exclusivity" AIMS subscale score displayed moderate inverse relationships with AFAQ ( r =-0.40, P =0.005) and AFAQ+ ( r =-0.46, P =0.001) scores. The "negative affectivity" subscale did not display significant relationships with AFAQ or AFAQ+ scores. Subject age displayed moderate inverse relationships with the AIMS "social identity" ( r =-0.56, P <0.001) and "exclusivity" ( r =-0.42, P =0.004) subscale scores and weak direct relationships with AFAQ (r=0.30, P =0.04) and AFAQ+ (r=0.32, P =0.02) scores. Adolescent athletes with stronger athletic identity perceptions during the return to the sports preparation phase of musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation had weaker fear avoidance perceptions. As age increased from early to late adolescence, athletic identity perceptions became weaker, and fear avoidance perceptions became stronger. To decrease re-injury rates, early identification and surveillance of injured adolescent athletes with stronger, more exclusive athletic identity perceptions and weaker fear avoidance perceptions may influence rehabilitation progression and return to play decisions. Level-II, prospective cohort, correlational study.

Identifying links between athletic identity and risk factors related to youth sport participation.

The development of identity formation occurs during adolescence through experiences, ideals and principle. With greater accessibility to sports, recent trends have shown increased rates of sports specialization over the past decade in youth athletes. Athletic identity measures the strength an individual is tied to the athlete role and can be formed in conjunction to adolescent identity formation. More specialized youth athletes may have stronger ties to their athletic identity during their adolescent identity formation period. Youth basketball athletes were surveyed on specialization levels and athletic identity via the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), including three submeasures: social identity, exclusivity, and negative affectivity. Participants showed stronger identification to social identity items and the weakest identification with exclusivity items. Athletes reporting more time spent playing their primary sport presented higher scores across all measures of athletic identity, and total athletic identity was stronger in athletes reporting specialization at an earlier age. Exclusivity and negative affectivity tended to increase with specialization level which may primarily be driven by specialized athletes choosing to quit non-primary sports. Athletic identity may be worth noting as a psychological indicator of potential risk of injury. The long-term goal of this work is to provide the research and clinical community a greater understanding of a potential psychosocial risk factor as youth athletes continue specializing and spending more time training in a singular sport.

Impacts of the Early COVID-19 Pandemic on Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health Among Student-Athletes.

Social distancing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in premature ending of athletic seasons and cancellation of upcoming seasons, placing significant stress on young athletes. Inability to play or forced early retirement has significant consequences on athlete's mental health, as demonstrated by an extensive body of injury literature. We hypothesize that premature suspension and cancellation of athletic events due to the COVID-19 pandemic leads to higher incidence of depressive symptoms among high-school and collegiate athletes. Further, athletes who strongly derive their sense of self-worth centered around athletics would have higher rates of depressive symptoms. High school and collegiate athletes were evaluated for depressive symptoms, emotional health and athletic identity measures through validated assessment instruments from May 2020 through July 2020. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression Computer Adaptive Test (PROMIS-10 Depression CAT), Veterans RAND-12 (VR-12), which comprises both a physical and mental health component, and Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) were utilized. Mental health assessments were completed by 515 athletes (52.4% male, 47.6% female; .84.5% collegiate, 15.5% high school). Female athletes scored significantly worse than males on VR-12 mental health assessments, as well as PROMIS-10 Depression scores; however, males scored significantly lower than females on VR-12 physical health assessments, irrespective of education level. Athletes who had strong associations with athletics as central to their personal identity exhibited worse psychologic impact on VR-12 mental health and PROMIS-10 Depression measures and female athletes in this cohort reported greater depressive symptoms than males. Social distancing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic have limited athlete's ability to participate in sports at the training and competition level. Higher rates of depressive symptoms in high school and college athletes have resulted among female athletes and those who identify strongly as an athlete.

Differences in athletic identity, sport participation, and psychosocial factors following anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation in youth athletes.

While youth sports benefits the developing athlete, athletes may also be subject to injury and subsequent return-to-sport protocols. The current return-to-sport criteria emphasize physical measures; however, psychological measures may also be valuable to inform providers of an athlete's readiness. One such measure is athletic identity defined as the degree to which an individual identifies with the athlete role. To better understand athletic identity in return-to-sport, this study aimed to identify relationships and trends between the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), demographic variables, sport participation measures, and the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28) in youth athletes during rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). A retrospective review was completed of patients who underwent ACLR at a sports medicine clinic between October 2019 and May 2021. Patients responded to a series of patient reported outcomes (PROs) regarding physical and psychological function at a pre-surgical baseline and after 1 year of rehabilitation. Patients were then divided into groups of high/low AIMS and an increased/decreased AIMS between 1 year and baseline for comparison. Independent samples t-tests and ANOVAs were performed as appropriate with a 95% confidence interval. In the final sample, 87 patients (15.3 ± 1.8 years) were included, with 51.7% being females. Total AIMS scores decreased from 50.3 to 47.5 over rehabilitation (p = 0.019). Furthermore, results indicated that nearly all AIMS scores decreased during rehabilitation, with none showing an increase; however, not all domains were significant. Conversely, all sport participation and coping ability PROs increased over time points except for ACSI-Confidence and Achievement Motivation. Generally, those in the groups with high AIMS and an increase in AIMS also had higher scores in physical function and coping ability PROs, with the groups separated by high/low AIMS exhibiting more frequent statistical significance. Given these results, it appears that athletes may lose identification with the athlete role after ACLR and struggle even 1 year for rehabilitation, but those who recover athletic identity the best may also be those able to cope most effectively with the stressors induced by injury.

Relationship between Athletic Identity and Stress in Division II College Softball Players

Athletic identity (AI) can be defined as how an individual perceives themselves as an athlete. Although there are many resources for athletes when it comes to physical health, resources for mental health and balancing their AI with everyday life is sorely lacking. As a result, an athlete’s level of stress both inside and outside of their athletic career may increase. Stress that is related to high levels of AI can bring forth negative consequences, such as decreased concentration, focus, and poor academic performance, especially in the case of the student-athlete. The purpose of this study was to investigate stress in relation to AI in a Division II female softball team. Softball players (n = 27) completed the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The mean PSS score was 32.39 out of a 40-point scale. The AIMS mean only showed a moderate level of AI (45.61 of 70-point scale). Pearson correlational analysis demonstrated that only a minor association existed between AI and perceived stress, but this correlation was not statistically significant (r = .36, p = .093). Results and implications from this study are discussed as to optimize student-athletes’ mental well-being.

An Exploratory Study on Athletic Identity of University Athletes in Selected Sports in Kenya

Athletic identity is a precursor to numerous sport inclinations like participation, talent development and competition. This becomes more salient in educational institutions where student-athletes are required to play a dual role. The purpose of this study was to explore the athletic identity of university athletes in selected sports. It was postulated that athletic identity formation of the university athletes will vary based on selected variables of gender, age and year of study. Data was collected from athletes who were taking part in university sports championships using Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS). The sample comprised 183 (67.78%) males and 89 (32.22%) females. Most of the university athletes were in the 1st and 3rd years of study, and 60% of the players had two years of playing experience. The results revealed that the university athletes had high perceptions of self- identity, social identity and exclusivity and low perceptions on negative affectivity. It is concluded that athletic identity is mediated by situational factors such as age and gender. Consequently, sports psychologists and coaches need to assist athletes improve and sustain their athletic identities. Sport psychologists could train the athletes on how to enhance athletic identity and maximize their sports performance. Future research could address, athletic identity and sports performance as well as athletic identity and athletes in specific playing positions.

Exploring the impact of athletic identity on gender role conflict and athlete injury fear avoidance in male English professional academy football players

ABSTRACT Men’s academy football can encourage a commitment to the athletic role and masculine norms. When injured, the ability to fulfil an athletic masculine identity is threatened and athletes may experience injury fear-avoidance behaviours as part of a negative injury appraisal. The aim of the study was to explore whether higher athletic identity (AI) was associated with higher gender role conflict and injury-related fear-avoidance. Seventy-two male English academy footballers completed an Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), Gender Role Conflict Scale (GRCS), and Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ) based on self-reported historical injuries. Correlational analyses were conducted for all variables, and a one-way ANOVA was used to compare high, moderate, and low AI. AIMS was significantly positively correlated with two GRCS subscales: success, power, and competition (SPC) and restricted affectionate behaviour between men (RAM). AIMS exclusivity also positively correlated with SPC and AIMS negative affectivity positively correlated with GRCS total and RAM. Additionally, the current study showed that high and moderate levels of AI had significantly higher levels of total GRCS than those with low AI. No significant results were found for AIMS, GRCS, and AFAQ. Results suggest that players with higher and more exclusive AI may be susceptible to masculine role conflicts, specifically, SPC and RAM, especially when there is a risk to their athletic role. The current study informs sport and health professionals of the need to monitor AI and masculine conformity in academy-level footballers to minimise gender-role conflict and potential maladaptive rehabilitation responses when their identities are threatened.

Kinesiophobia Is Negatively Associated With Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport in Patients Awaiting Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

To identify the factors associated with anterior cruciate ligament return to sport after injury (ACL-RSI) scores in patients awaiting ACL reconstruction (ACLR). This was a retrospective cross-sectional observational study conducted at a single clinical center. We recruited patients scheduled for primary ACLR, aged 16-45 years, and with modified Tegner activity scale scores ≥5 before ACL injury. The main outcome was psychological readiness to return to sport (RTS), as measured using the ACL-RSI scale. Participants' personal and injury-related information were obtained, and their psychological status (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia [TSK] and athletic identity measurement scale) and knee functions (effusion, range of motion, joint stability, and knee flexion angle during a single-leg squat) were examined. All variables were assessed the day before the surgery. A total of 105 patients (median [interquartile range]: age, 20.0 [9.0] years; body mass index, 22.8 [4.3] kg/m2; days from injury to surgery, 63.0 [65.0] days; 44% female) were enrolled. Univariate analysis indicated that only the TSK score was associated with the ACL-RSI scores (r=-0.305; P= .02). Multiple regression analysis of factors, including sex, preinjury Tegner activity scale score, and days from injury to surgery, further showed that only the TSK score was associated with the ACL-RSI scores (P= .002; 95% confidence interval-1.738 to-0.394). In patients awaiting ACLR, kinesiophobia was moderately negatively associated with psychological readiness to RTS, while other factors were not. Level III, retrospective cross-sectional observational study.

Change in athletic identity after retirement from elite sport: In search of potential predictors using multi-level analysis

Introduction&#x0D; Elite athletes spend a great amount of time training and competing. Accordingly, their live is focused on and shaped by sport. As a result, many athletes develop a strong athletic identity, which may be defined as the extent to which athletes identify with their role as athletes (Brewer, 1993). While risk and opportunities associated with a strong athletic identity are clear, little is known about how athletic identity develops over the course of a sport career. Some studies suggest that athletic identity remains stable over time (e.g., Hadiyan &amp; Cosh, 2019), while other studies attribute some plasticity to it (e.g., Brewer et al., 2010). The purpose of this study was to examine how the athletic identity develops beyond a career in elite sport. In addition, we searched for potential predictors of athletic identity during and after career.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; A longitudinal survey of 290 athletes (32.8% women; 67.2% men) was conducted during (t1) and after their careers (t2; 12 years later). The German version of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS D; Schmid &amp; Seiler, 2003) was used to measure athletic identity. Besides, data were collected on demographic (gender, age) and sports-related variables (sporting success, career satisfaction, time of retirement, voluntariness of retirement, involvement in sport after retirement). Data were analyzed using multi-level regression models.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; The analysis revealed that athletic identity decreased over time. However, there was considerable heterogeneity across athletes. In particular, the status as an athlete (i.e., professional vs. dual career), exclusivity of the role as an athlete, and time to retirement predicted athletic identity at t1. To explain the development of athletic identity, interaction terms between time and the different predictors were also modeled. Three significant effects were found: In particular, a slower decline in athletic identity was found for athletes who were (a) working in the field of sport after their athletic retirement, (b) involved in (recreational) competitive sport, and (c) satisfied with their sport career.&#x0D; Discussion/Conclusion&#x0D; As expected, on average, the role as an athlete is reduced in an individual’s identity (and is probably replaced by other roles). However, sport may still be shaping athletes’ identity, notably their athletic career has been satisfying and if their occupation revolves around sports. Future research is needed to better understand how former athletes reshape their identity and what sources of meaning they tap into after athletic retirement to promote quality of life.&#x0D; References&#x0D; Brewer, B. W. (1993). Self-identity and specific vulnerability to depressed mood. Journal of Personality, 61(3), 343–364. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.1993.tb00284.x&#x0D; Brewer, B. W., Cornelius, A. E., Stephan, Y., &amp; van Raalte, J. (2010). Self-protective changes in athletic identity following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 11(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2009.09.005&#x0D; Hadiyan, H., &amp; Cosh, S. (2019). Level of physical and motor fitness post retirement and maintenance of athletic identity within active retired athletes. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 24(1), 84–95. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2018.1540206&#x0D; Schmid, J., &amp; Seiler, R. (2003). Identität im Hochleistungssport: Überprüfung einer deutschsprachigen Adaptation der Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS-D) [Identity in high-performance sport: Psychometric investigations with a German Language adaptation of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS-D)]. Diagnostica, 49(4), 176–183. https://doi.org/10.1026//0012-1924.49.4.176

Validation of the French Version of the Scale for Measuring Athletic Identity among French Student Athletes

The main objective of this article is to examine the validity of a French version of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) with a sample of French varsity athletes according to different characteristics such as age, gender and types of sports activities practiced. To this end, 445 sports students answered a questionnaire measuring the degree of Likert-type sports identity on a 7-point scale. The sample included 272 men and 173 women with an average age of 21 years. Validation of the factor structure and internal consistency was tested by performing confirmatory factor analyzes and calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient on the four different models most proposed in the literature. The results related to the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis showed that the four AIMS models tested in this study are not appropriate for the French context. On the other hand, they made it possible to identify a measurement model composed of two factors; identities and exclusivity. For the two factors, no significant difference appeared between the subgroups of age, sex and the types of sports activities practiced. Therefore, the two-factor model identified in this research stands out from the already existing models. To further test its robustness, it would therefore be desirable to test it in socio-cultural contexts close to that of France.

Athlete Identity and Mental Health of Student Athletes during COVID-19

The purpose of our study is to evaluate athletic identity (AI) and mental health measures of youth and young adult athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study recruited athletes aged 11-25 years from universities, high schools, and middle schools in California and New York. Participants were emailed a link to an anonymous, cross-sectional electronic survey. The measure included the athletic identity measurement scale (AIMS), the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), and demographic variables. Chi-square, Fisher's Exact Test, and linear regression were used to examine the relationships between AI, symptoms of anxiety, and symptoms of depression by age, gender, and race. The survey was completed by 653 participants. AI was stratified by tertiary percentiles. The odds of positively scoring for symptoms of anxiety were 60% higher for participants in college compared with high school (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: [1.09, 2.35]). Conversely, the odds of scoring positively for symptoms of depression were 68% higher for participants in high school compared to college (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: [1.09, 2.59]). The odds of scoring positively for symptoms of depression were higher for athletes who scored as high AI, compared to those who scored as moderate (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: [1.11, 2.68]) or low (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: [1.20, 3.12]). The odds of scoring positively for symptoms of anxiety on the PHQ-4 were 3.2 times higher for participants who identified as female (OR: 3.19, 95% CI: [2.31, 4.41]), and the odds of scoring positively for symptoms of depression were 2.4 times higher for participants who identified as female (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: [1.56, 3.54]). Female athletes experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety at significantly higher rates than male athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. High school students experienced fewer symptoms of anxiety, but greater symptoms of depression as compared to the collegiate group, while college students experienced greater odds of symptoms of anxiety. Athletes in the high AI group were more likely to report symptoms of depression than moderate or low identity groups. Female athletes reported lower AI than male athletes, but still had greater symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The Athletic Identity Measurement Scale: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis from 1993 to 2021.

Sport psychology embraced the study of athletic identity in the 1990s. The Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) is at the forefront of athletic identity measurement. This quantitative review examined two hypotheses: individual who are most engaged in sports identify most as athletes and thus score higher on the AIMS, and athletic identity relates to positive (e.g., intrinsic motivation) and negative (negative emotions) factors. In addition to our two hypotheses, we explored whether the AIMS subscales influenced our two hypotheses. After completing a systematic search of SPORTDiscus, APA PsycINFO, ERIC, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection APA within the EBSCOhost platform along with some hand searching, 101 articles published between 1993 and our end date of August 2021 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies investigated 20,498 athletes competing in a variety of sports from the following continents: Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America. We based all analyses on random- and mixed-effects statistics. Higher-achieving athletes, as expected, self-reported a higher degree of athletic identity. The differences between athlete groups were significant (p < 0.001) and meaningful (g values ranged from 1.55 to 1.93). The AIMS total score correlations with positive and negative factors (correlates) were small in magnitude (r = 0.22 and 0.17). However, the relationships differed across correlate subcategories (e.g., intrinsic motivation/commitment, r = 0.51, and body issues, r = 0.14). Minimal AIMS subscale reporting occurred across the 101 studies; thus, we could not assess their importance with certainty. In conclusion, a higher degree of athletic identity related to valued sport correlates such as intrinsic motivation/commitment and the mastery goal orientation. These correlations were small in relation to negative or less desirable factors in sport such as body disorder issues and negative emotions. We recommend future research of greater complexity and the reporting of athletes’ competitive backgrounds to understand athletic identity. In addition, researchers should report AIMS subscale data.

Relationship between Monetary reward and Athletic Identity of Lagos State Athletes

This study investigated the relationship between monetary reward and athletes’ athletic identity. The purpose was to understand the difference in athletic identity between athletes who earned monetary compensations and those who did not earn any monetary compensations for participating in sports. Two hundred and fifty-six athletes who competed in state-organized sports competitions completed the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS). The data collected was analyzed using Mann Whitney U tests and Linear Regression at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that age did not predict athletic identity, and monetary reward did not differentiate athletes who received financial compensations or not based on their athletic identity. The results have confirmed that other factors that are not monetary may be associated with athletes’ athletic identity. Therefore sports psychologists should identify those factors to help athletes sustain their athletic personalities.