A Multidimensional Perspective on Athletic Identity in Competitive Athletes: Associations With Sociodemographic and Sport-Specific Variables and Psychological Symptoms

Abstract

Previous research has measured athletic identity by using multiple questionnaires, which mainly tap into the commitment dimension of athletic identity. The aim of the present study was to develop and investigate the psychometric features of a multidimensional measure to assess sport-specific identity exploration and commitment dimensions. Therefore, we adapted the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS) to a sport-specific context (DIDS-Athlete or DIDS-A) to identify three sport-specific exploration dimensions and two sport-specific commitment dimensions. Data of the DIDS-A and other self-report measures assessing sociodemographic variables, sport-related variables, and psychological symptoms were collected from 173 competitive athletes (72.1% women; age range: 16–34 years) who are all members of track and field sport clubs in Flanders (Belgium). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the five-factor structure of the DIDS-A and the scales had sufficient internal consistency. Athletic ruminative exploration, characterized by repeatedly worrying about sport-identity related choices, was related to being younger, having a higher number of resting days, having one or more sport-injuries, lower levels of competition, and higher levels of depressive symptoms and more exercise to control weight. The commitment dimensions, on the contrary, showed an opposite—more resilient—pattern. Therefore, it seems indicative to target athletes who score high on ruminative exploration about their role as athlete and to monitor them during their athletic trajectory.