Athletic identity and its relationship to sport participation levels

Article

Lamont-Mills, Andrea and Christensen, Steven A.. 2006. "Athletic identity and its relationship to sport participation levels." Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 9 (6), pp. 472-478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2006.04.004
Article Title

Athletic identity and its relationship to sport participation levels

ERA Journal ID9776
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsLamont-Mills, Andrea (Author) and Christensen, Steven A. (Author)
Journal TitleJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Journal Citation9 (6), pp. 472-478
Number of Pages7
YearDec 2006
PublisherElsevier
Place of PublicationAustralia
ISSN1440-2440
1878-1861
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2006.04.004
Web Address (URL)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244006000831
Abstract

This study looked at the relationship between athletic identity and three levels of sport participation (elite, recreational, non participation). Athletic identity was measured using the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) with participants being compared on the total AIMS score and scores on its three factors (social identity, exclusivity, negative affectivity). Results indicated that the male non participation group scored lower on all three factors and the total AIMS when compared to the two athlete groups. The male elite and recreational groups did not differ on exclusivity and negative affectivity but did differ on the total AIMS and social identity, with elite scoring higher than recreational. For female participants, the non participation group again scored lower on all three factors and the total AIMS when compared to the two athlete groups. The female elite and recreational groups did not differ on negative affectivity but did differ on the total AIMS, social identity, and exclusivity, with elite scoring higher than recreational. Findings suggest that to assume sport is only important to elite athletes ignores the role that sport may play for less talented sport participants. Whilst not seeing themselves as athletes per se, it is suggested that participation in sport may still impact upon the self-perceptions of recreational sport participants. Therefore, threats to participation may result in similar negative consequences for both elite athletes and recreational sport participants.

Keywordssocial identification; self concept; athletic identity; recreational athlete; elite athlete
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020520107. Sport and exercise psychology
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Byline AffiliationsDepartment of Psychology
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