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

Authors : Elıjah RINTAUGU, Muchiri KAREGA, Ishmael KIRUİ, Francis Mundia MWANGI

Pages : 175-185

Doi:10.25307/jssr.1204389

View : 65 | Download : 54

Publication Date : 2023-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :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 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(AIMS);. The sample comprised 183 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(67.78%); males and 89 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(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.
Keywords : Athletic identify, University athletes, Gender, Type of sports, Playing experience