Athletic Identity in Youth Athletes: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Athletic identity (AI), the degree of personal connection to sport, is well-described in adult research; however, this social trait has been less studied in younger age groups. This systematic review describes epidemiological characteristics of AI in youth athletes. PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo were searched to identify AI studies involving quantitative athlete identity outcomes and cohorts 22 years and younger. The search strategy was developed for each database using the Boolean method. PRISMA guidelines and the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) were utilized. Ten out of ninety-one studies met inclusion criteria. AI scores differed by race/ethnicity. Two studies found increased AI during adolescence compared to later in ones’ training. Mental health-focused studies revealed higher AI levels protect against burnout, but in injured athletes, increased depression risk. Transitioning to a higher level of play during adolescence can correlate with stronger senses of AI. Further research should explore the concept of athletic identity saliency as one moves through an athletic career or training program and how thoughts of perceived success, professional progression, recruitment prospect or injury affect levels of athletic identity.

Sport Participation and Psychosocial Factors Which Influence Athletic Identity in Youth Athletes With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

“…Differences based on race or ethnicity, age, sport type, or sport competition level were not observed. The literature lacks consensus on how these measures relate to athletic identity, though age and athletic identity may positively correlate ( Lamont-Mills and Christensen, 2006 ; Anderson et al, 2009 , 2011 ; Proios et al, 2012 ; Babić et al, 2015 ; Şekeroğlu, 2017 ; Piatt et al, 2018 ; Edison et al, 2021 ; Rae and Jenkins, 2021 ). Furthermore, the population examined was treated at a specialty sports medicine treatment center, possibly explaining the unequal distribution of competition levels.…”

“…In young adults, Lamont-Mills and Christensen (2006) saw no correlations with athletic identity, while Proios et al (2012) observed differences only in the subcategory of how exclusive athletes were to their athletic identity over other identities. Association of athletic identity and race or ethnicity in the youth population is also poorly defined, though Anderson et al and others suggest that Hispanic and minority youths perceive themselves as having lower athletic identity ( Anderson et al, 2009 , 2011 ; Edison et al, 2021 ). Youth athletes appear to conflate athletic identity and personality as they mature ( Von Rosen et al, 2018 ; Newton et al, 2020 ; Edison et al, 2021 ), though athletic identity may begin to decrease with age at the undergraduate level ( Renton et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Association of athletic identity and race or ethnicity in the youth population is also poorly defined, though Anderson et al and others suggest that Hispanic and minority youths perceive themselves as having lower athletic identity ( Anderson et al, 2009 , 2011 ; Edison et al, 2021 ). Youth athletes appear to conflate athletic identity and personality as they mature ( Von Rosen et al, 2018 ; Newton et al, 2020 ; Edison et al, 2021 ), though athletic identity may begin to decrease with age at the undergraduate level ( Renton et al, 2021 ). The convergence of athletic identity and personality in youth may prove problematic if their athletic identity is interrupted.…”

Impact of deep vein thrombosis on adolescent athletes: Navigating an invisible disability

“…AIMS evaluates athletes based on three components: social identity (the belief of fulfilling an athlete role), exclusivity (the degree to which identity and self‐worth are derived from the athlete role), and negative affectivity (negative affect from poor performance). 1 , 10 , 12 The total score ranges from 10 to 70 points, with 10 points representing low athletic identity, 40 points representing moderate athletic identity, and 70 points indicating high athletic identity. CAPTSure was completed to assess the severity of PTS symptoms at the time of study participation.…”

“… 5 , 8 Furthermore, athletes are less likely to seek help when struggling with mental health challenges due to a complex set of psychosocial barriers, including the emphasis on mental toughness and the stigma and shame associated with help‐seeking behaviors in this population. 9 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16…”