Athletic Identity Research Articles

Expanding socio-cultural identity research in sport psycho-logy: The potential of athlete autobiographies

Within the cultural sport psychology (CSP) genre, researchers have considered multiple and inter-secting athlete identity expression to enhance sport participation, inclusion and performance. The aim with the present paper was to build upon, and expand a CSP research agenda that focuses on socially constructed identities, through exploring narrative inquiry in conjunction with athlete autobi-ographies as data (re)sources. To accomplish this aim, we outline the central tenets of narrative in-quiry and convergences with CSP, followed by an overview of autobiography. We then draw on au-tobiography research from cultural studies and sport psychology in relation to two central areas of concern in CSP: gender issues with a focus on women and health and well-being issues in sport. We conclude with some aspirations for future research on autobiographies grounded in narrative inquiry, to expand a CSP research agenda.

Experiences in physical education and sport: reflections of female athletes with visual impairments

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to understand how individuals identifying as female, an athlete and having a visual impairment experience physical education and sport experiences. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach was adopted, and four female athletes with visual impairments aged 23–28-years-old acted as participants. The study utilised two sources of data: semi-structured, audio-taped, telephone/video call interviews and reflective interview notes. Data were analysed thematically using a three-step process and two themes were constructed (a) Physical education was ‘just a credit’ and (b) ‘If you enjoy this, we will drive you’. The participants reported that they did not have meaningful physical education experiences. Interestingly, however, the participants noted that these poor experiences were not critical to them, as they had developed a sense of athletic identity in others, outside of school physical activity opportunities supported by family.

‘Everybody with Disability Should be Included’: A Qualitative Interview Study of Athletes’ Experiences of Disability Sports Participation Analysed with Ideas of Able-Mindedness

<p class="Keywords">Inspired by ideas of able-mindedness, this study explored athletes’ experiences of participation in disability sports. The athletes included were active members in sports clubs targeting people with intellectual disability. The study focused on their perspectives on and understanding of participation, as well as on their accounts of positioning and self-identification, in disability sports. In all, 17 athletes were interviewed. Using thematic analysis, three themes were singled out: identity construction and positioning, the (dis)able-minded athlete and facilitation of participation through others. The results show that participation influences identity construction and is a basis for a common athletic identity. This study offers important knowledge for the facilitation of participation and for the elucidation of able-mindedness in disability sports.

Relationship between Pre-Competition Mental State and Sport Result of Disabled Boccia Athletes.

The relationship between sport result and pre-competition mental state of 109 boccia athletes was analyzed. Mental state was described by: athletic identity, self-esteem, self-efficacy for sports, hope for success, fear of failure, anxiety, and expectancy of success. Correlation analyses were made for all four boccia classes (BC1, BC2, BC3, and BC4) and revealed that only athletic identity was associated with sport result in class BC4. Four hierarchical multiple regression models (for BC1, BC2, BC3, and BC4 boccia classes) were created, with sport result as the dependent variable. Only the BC4 model was significant and included athletic identity, anxiety, self-efficacy for sports, and expectancy of success, which explained 49% of variance in sport result. BC4 class results indicate that psychological variables have a potential impact on sport performance in boccia, and the type and level of disability should be taken into account.

Typologies of dual career in sport: A cluster analysis of identity and self-efficacy

ABSTRACT Research has previously identified different approaches to a dual career (i.e., the simultaneous development of a vocational career alongside the athletic career): (a) educational/vocational pathway (i.e., a prioritisation of the vocational career), (b) a parallel dual career pathway (i.e., an equal focus on athletic and vocational career), and (c) a sporting pathway (i.e., a prioritisation of the athletic career). Yet, the identity and self-efficacy characteristics of these profiles require further investigation. To address this, the current study collected survey responses from 111 dual career athletes. The survey measured aspects of career identity, athletic identity and self-efficacy and results were analysed via a cluster analysis. The results showed three athlete profiles: (a) student-athletes showing an education or vocation prioritisation; (b) dual career athletes showing an equal balance between vocational career and sporting career; and (c) athlete students indicating a sport prioritisation. The results extend the current literature that understands dual career athletes as a heterogeneous group and establishes identity and self-efficacy as important factors in dual career pathways. This understanding also enables practitioners to take an individualistic approach to supporting dual career athletes.

Manifestations of Athletic Identity in Black Male Collegiate Student-Athletes: Introduction of a Model

The socialization of Black males into athletics leads to a heightened attention placed on their athletic identity. Once these student-athletes enter the collegiate environment, the institutions of higher education and associated athletic departments have neglected to holistically develop identity within Black male student-athletes. With this population representing less than 3% of the entire student-body population on college campuses (Harper, 2018), the support that they receive also does not help to counter the negative experiences that they have. Negative experiences then lead to negative outcomes such as becoming susceptible to stereotype threat and identity foreclosure. This paper presents a conceptual model to center race while connecting athletic identity within Black male student-athletes to their experiences on campus and the outcomes related to this identity.

The Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Academic Success and Athletic Identity in Collegiate Student-Athletes

Upon entering college in the United States, students are exposed to alcohol and, relatedly, the potentially dangerous experiences and effects that come with consuming alcohol. This is especially true for collegiate student-athletes, who have been found to have the highest consumption rate among student groups on campus. The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between how student-athletes at a focus university, a Division I member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, experience alcohol consumption, how their consumption affects their academic grade point average (GPA), and how athletic identity plays a role in their experiences. While the research focuses on this one university, the findings are congruent with similar studies which focused on other colleges and/or the American college experience as a whole. Due to the large number of student-athletes in collegiate athletics, understanding and examining the correlation between alcohol consumption and the effect it has on academic success can be beneficial for multiple entities within a college dynamic. Survey data was collected from current student-athletes at a mid-sized Division I college in the Midwestern region of the United States. From this data, chi-square analysis showed that female student-athletes had statistically higher GPA than males, and a substantial sum of overall participants binge-drank during their last drinking occasion, and on both game and non-game days. A majority of respondents identify more with being a full-time athlete than being a full-time student. Results provide validity to past research studies, and allow for understanding to why student-athletes are at a higher risk of binge drinking. Practical implications and limitations are noted. Suggestions for future research include a larger sample from a variety of different universities, and understanding motivations between specific sports for academic success and alcohol consumption.&#x0D; Keywords: alcohol consumption, identity, gender, sport, culture, academics

Orthorexic eating in women who are physically active in sport: A test of an objectification theory model

The present study tested an objectification model of orthorexic eating (i.e., pattern of disordered eating characterized by a preoccupation with food quality and purity, ritualistic styles of eating, avoidance of foods considered unhealthy, and compulsive evaluation of the source and nutritional content of foods) in women who are physically active in sport. A community sample of women physically active in sport (N = 228) completed an online survey with measures of orthorexic eating, phenomenological and appearance-based self-objectification, phenomenological body shame, sport-based perfectionism, and athletic identity. Parallel mediation analysis (PROCESS; Model 4) demonstrated a significant indirect effect (ab) of phenomenological self-objectification on orthorexic eating through phenomenological body shame (b = -0.10, 95 % percentile bootstrap confidence interval (PB CI): -0.15, −0.06), adjusting for three covariate measures. The direct effect (c′) of phenomenological self-objectification on orthorexic eating was not significant (b = 0.02, 95 % PB CI: -0.07, 0.10). The findings support an objectification theory model of orthorexic eating in community women who participate in sport.

Supporting Identity Development in Talented Youth Athletes: Insights from Existential and Cultural Psychological Approaches

The purpose of this article is to present existential and cultural psychology approaches to understanding athlete identity, and offer strategies for the development of well-rounded, reflexive and self-aware youth sports performers. Recently, the sport psychology discourse on athletic identity has diversified with a range of alternative approaches and methodologies now being employed by academics and applied practitioners. These alternative approaches advocate that identity interests can be simultaneously personal, social and cultural. Consequently, we recommend that Sport Psychology Consultant’s (SPC’s) should operate at both an organizational and individual level with the aim of facilitating elite youth athletes to (a) identify meaningful personal goals and values, (b) take responsibility and ownership for their development, (c) reflect on their limitations and possibilities, and (d) embrace not diminish alternative narratives.

학생선수 대 운동선수: 체육특기생의 정체성 규정 맥락 분석

학생선수 대 운동선수: 체육특기생의 정체성 규정 맥락 분석

Help-Seeking for Mental Health Issues in Professional Rugby League Players.

BackgroundDespite the prevalence and negative consequences of mental health issues among elite athletes, studies suggest many do not seek professional help. Understanding barriers and facilitators to help-seeking is imperative to reduce the burden of mental health symptoms and disorders.AimsThis study aimed to elucidate factors associated with actual help-seeking behavior in professional rugby football league (RFL) players in England and one club in France.DesignA mixed-methods cross-sectional online survey design was used, and completed by 167 professional RFL players.MethodsThe survey consisted of measures of mental health, perceived psychological stress, athletic identity, knowledge of player welfare, and actual help-seeking. Additionally, one open-ended question allowed free-text comments about barriers to help-seeking.ResultsThose who had sought help reported significantly higher psychological stress compared to those who had not sought help. Help-seeking was associated with better mental health literacy and higher perceived psychological stress in a multivariate analysis. The qualitative analysis revealed a number of perceived barriers to help-seeking, of which lower mental health literacy and stigma were the most prominent.ConclusionIn one of the first studies to examine actual help-seeking behavior, professional rugby players who had sought help for mental health and personal issues were characterized by having greater mental health literacy and experiencing greater psychological stress. Players also identified feelings of embarrassment, pride, fear and shame act as barriers to seeking help for mental health issues. These results suggest focusing on increasing mental health literacy and reducing stigma may increase help-seeking behavior for mental health symptoms.

Gender Differences in Psychological Responses to Recovery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Before Return to Sport.

Female patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are less likely to return to sport than males. Psychological readiness predicts successful return to sport, but it is unclear if psychological experiences differ between males and females during recovery. To explore gender differences in psychological readiness factors of return to sport after ACLR. Qualitative study. Laboratory. A total of 12 male (months since surgery = 6.2 ± 1.2) and 13 female (months since surgery = 6.4 ± 1.3) high school athletes with a history of ACLR. Participants were interviewed before physician clearance to return to activity. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using deductive thematic coding of 5 themes identified from previous research (psychological distress, self-efficacy, locus of control, athletic identity, and fear of reinjury) and inductive secondary subthematic coding. Gender comparisons were generated within primary themes and secondary subthemes. All deductive themes were consistently reinforced. Male and female participants reported fear of movement, loss of athletic identity, and motivational mindsets for return to sport and self-improvement. Males reported a stronger sense of internal locus of control using positive internal reinforcement, whereas females described balancing internal and external control and valuing external support systems. Male participants described mood changes influenced by physical and social limitations. Female participants closely monitored their emotions throughout recovery and were influenced by rehabilitation fluctuations. Male and female high school athletes described different psychological factors related to return to sport and locus of control as well as psychological distress. Gender-specific psychological interventions may be warranted to overcome psychological barriers after ACLR.

Social (Un)distancing: Teammate Interactions, Athletic Identity, and Mental Health of Student-Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PurposePhysical distancing measures to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus have presented challenges for the mental health and well-being of college students. As campus activities ceased, student-athletes abruptly became isolated from teammates and were no longer able to participate in sport activities that are often central to their identity as an athlete. However, student-athletes who have supportive social connections with teammates during this pandemic may maintain their athletic identity to a greater extent and report better mental health. The present study examined how student-athletes’ mental health was associated with teammate social support, connectedness, and changes to athletic identity from before to during COVID-19. MethodA sample of 234 student-athletes completed surveys before COVID-19 physical distancing (February 2020), with 135 (63% female) participating in a follow-up in the month following school closures (April 2020). Path models estimated the effects of teammate social support and connectedness (during COVID-19), as well as changes in athletic identity on indices of mental health. ResultsConsidering all path models tested, student-athletes who received more social support and reported more connectedness with teammates reported less dissolution of their athletic identity and—in most models—reported better mental health and well-being. Indirect effects indicated that student-athletes’ change in athletic identity mediated the effects of teammate social support on psychological well-being and depression symptoms. ConclusionsIn addition to advancing theory on how small groups relate to mental health, these findings demonstrate the value in remaining socially connected with peers and maintaining role identities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Systematic Literature Review on the Academic and Athletic Identities of Student-Athletes

Academic and athletic identities are related to performance and wellbeing indicators in both the educational and sport domains, respectively. This paper presents a systematic literature review examining empirical research into the academic and athletic identities of student-athletes in dual (education and sport) careers. The 42 records identified in this review suggest that research on the academic and athletic identities of student-athletes has focused on the themes of: identity development, role conflict, career development and motivation, and student-athlete stereotypes. Future research directions are considered, including the need for mixed-methods and longitudinal assessments of academic and athletic identities to assess to dynamic nature of identity development, and to ascertain how these relate to future performance and wellbeing outcomes.

Analyzing Quality of University Life Perceptions of the Students of School of Physical Education and Sports

In this sense, the improvements to be made for all the dimensions in the scale highlight the importance of this study to determine the problems students will encounter during their school life and to reflect these experiences to students or athletes after graduation. Quality of school life can be considered as an indicator of students’ communication, love and respect towards other individuals at the school, and their satisfaction with all kinds of physical and social facilities of the school. In the field of quality of school life education, research has examined the issue of quality of university life, which is the highest level of education and training. The educational structure and administrative differences of universities made it compulsory to examine the quality of university life separately. Quality of university life includes the level of satisfaction with the university and the constructive experiences of students in the learning process. The study aimed to examine the differences of Harran University School of Physical Education and Sports students’ scores obtained from the dimensions of the “Quality of University Life Scale” according to gender, athlete identity, year of study, age, and residence variables. The research consisted of 311 participants in total, 135 females and 176 males. Independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to determine whether the quality of university life varied according to the variables of students. A statistically significant difference was found in social opportunities dimension in favor of males, in participation in decisions dimension in favor of females, and in student-student communication dimension in favor of males, and in identity, social opportunities and future dimensions according to year of study (p &lt; .05). In the study, no difference was found among students regarding the gender variable and quality of life. As a result, it is thought that increasing the quality of life in universities will increase the academic success of the student group, and the faculties will become institutions that train more qualified, happier and equipped teachers.

Athletes and adversities: athletic identity and emotional regulation in time of COVID-19

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the sporting field, with athletes constrained in home isolation without the possibility to train and compete in their usual environments. This situation has been investigated within the theoretical frameworks of athletic identity and cognitive emotion regulation.ObjectivesThe objectives of our investigation were to: (a) validate the athletic identity measurement scale (AIMS) for use in Italian language; and (b) explore differences by gender, typology of sport (individual vs. team), and competitive level (elite vs. non-elite) in athletic identity and in cognitive emotion regulation during the Covid-19 lockdown period.MethodsTo achieve these objectives, the reliability and construct validity of the Italian version of the AIMS have been tested in Study 1. Multivariate and univariate analyses were run to evaluate differences between different groups of athletes in Study 2.ResultsResults from Study 1 suggest a 3-factor higher order model of athletic identity. Results from Study 2 highlight that, during this lockdown period, elite athletes and team sports athletes show higher athletic identity. Cognitive emotion regulation strategies are different for gender and for competitive level. Finally, athletes with higher athletic identity tend to ruminate and catastrophize more.ConclusionsThe present multi-study paper contributes to the theoretical field with a validated measure of athletic identity in Italian language. It also provides some practical implications that could apply in this situation of isolation and can be extended to cases such as those of injury or illness.

Future work-self salience and proactive career behavior among college student-athletes in Taiwan: A career construction model of adaptation

Career adaptability has been frequently applied for understanding the career development of students and adults; however, the concept has rarely been exploited for understanding the career adaptation of college student-athletes. The present study used the career construction model of adaptation as the framework for identifying the moderated mediation of student-athletes’ career behaviors. A total of 233 college student-athletes were recruited as participants in this study. Data collection was conducted through the use of paper questionnaires. The results indicated that career adaptability could partially mediate the relationship between future work self-salience and proactive career behavior among college student-athletes. In addition, athletic identity moderated the relationship between future work self-salience, career adaptability and proactive career behaviors. When an individual has a weak athletic identity, the mediating effect of career adaptability in this relationship is strengthened. By expanding the use of the career construction model of adaptation, the research results can offer guidance to university and consultation centers in the cultivation of student-athletes’ career development.

Chaos and confusion with confidence: Managing fear of Re-Injury after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

ObjectivesTo explore strategies enabling competitive athletes to manage re-injury fears or anxieties, facilitating return to competitive sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). DesignQualitative study. SettingUniversity. ParticipantsTen athletes with ACLR within the last 5 years who had returned to competitive sport with a minimum 7/10 Tegner Activity score. MethodsSemi-structured interviews, recorded, transcribed and analysed using interpretive description. ResultsThree main themes. “Driving reasons to return to sport” included the athletic identity, the competitive team spirit and commitment; “Preparation of body and mind” encompassed connectedness with health professionals, coaches, the sports team and family, graded exposure and progression of physical tasks, and psychological or cognitive skills to improve mental toughness; “Risk Acceptance” entailed situational risk analysis, problem solving, and avoidance of unacceptable risk and acceptance of risk and responsibility. ConclusionParticipants described intrinsic and extrinsic motivators as drivers for rehabilitation. Interactions with therapists, coaches and team members enhanced confidence, supported by both physical rehabilitation and psychological influences. Psychological strategies were essential for several participants to return to sport. Graded sports exposure, leading towards total immersion in training and competition, appears important to manage re-injury fear following ACLR.

From non-runner to parkrunner: Subjective athletic identity and experience of parkrun

Parkrun is a mass sporting community event which presents itself as a global social movement that aims to create a healthier and happier population. Existing research has explored the impact of parkrun on physical and mental wellbeing, and the mechanisms through which it may change physical activity behaviours. This paper draws upon a UK-wide survey of 8157 parkrunners to explore the subjective athletic identities of those who initially self-identified as non-runners. We examine how identity change is associated with perceptions and experiences of parkrun and demonstrate that parkrun has facilitated subjectivity change that leads many former non-running parkrunners to engage in running outside of the event. Using a Bourdieusian framework we argue that those who frequently engage in parkrun perceive a variety of health and performance changes that become legitimising factors for new health/sport behaviours. Our data add to existing research by demonstrating that parkrun provides a platform for individuals to become ‘runners’, whilst also offering a sociological explanation of how behaviour change may occur.

The Effect Of Injuries And Pain On Athletic Identity Across NCAA Divisions

There is a high prevalence of pain and injury in collegiate athletes, which can affect playing time and performance. Previous studies have observed that surgery and concussions can affect athletic identity. Currently, there is a paucity of research investigating how current pain and injury affect athletic identity. PURPOSE: To determine how current collegiate athlete pain and injury affect athletic identity and how these relationships differ across NCAA divisions. METHODS: NCAA division 1 (D1), 2 (D2), and 3 (D3) athletes were administered a questionnaire through an encrypted database. The Athletic Identity Questionnaire (AIM) and Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC) were used within the survey. AIM estimates self-perceived athletic identity while OSTRC measures level of participation, training volume, performance, and pain. Athletes were further classified by OSTRC scores into overuse and substantial overuse injuries. Multivariable and logistic regressions assessed the relationship between Aim, OSTRC scores, and overuse injury. Models were adjusted for age, gender, NCAA division, history of orthopedic surgery, and history of major injury, with unadjusted and adjusted coefficients and Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: 252 athletes (age of 19.4 years (1.2); female: 181, male: 70; D1: 101, D2: 74, D3: 77) participated. Mean AIM scores were D1: 37.98 (7.61), D2: 37.03 (37.03), and D3: 38.86 (6.98). The OSTRC median score was 0 (IQR: 0-22). 127 (50%) athletes had an overuse injury while 47 (19%) had a substantial overuse injury. Adjusted total OSTRC score was -0.67 (95% CI: -2.4, 1.1; p=0.474). Adjusted OR for OSTRC overuse injury was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.04; p=0.589) and substantial overuse injury was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91, 0.99; p=0.036). Similar results were observed between gender and division subgroups. CONCLUSION: After adjusting for confounding variables, it was determined that substantial overuse injuries negatively affected athletic identity, regardless of gender or NCAA division. Sports medicine professionals need to consider the possibility of lost athletic identity when an athlete sustains an injury. Measures should be taken to ensure that athletes continue to have meaningful contribution to sport following pain or injury.