A Systematic Review on Student Athletes’ Identities and Collegiate Experiences Through the Lens of Social Identity Theory
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17161/jis.v19i3.24632Keywords:
Social Identity Theory, Student-Athlete, College Experience, Identity Development , SportsAbstract
Student-athletes’ identities play a significant role in shaping their college experience. Despite a growing body of literature, additional investigations are needed to create a clearer and more theoretically grounded understanding of how student-athletes’ identities shape their college experiences and outcomes. Therefore, in this study, I began by systematically reviewing previous literature to identify which college experiences and outcomes tend to be associated with student-athletes’ identities. Following, I utilized Social Identity Theory (SIT) as a guiding framework to better understand how student-athletes’ identities may shape the motivations and decisions underlying their engagement across multiple college commitments. Utilizing two coding cycles, five salient student-athlete identities were identified that impact seven common dimensions of their college experience. Interpreted through the lens of SIT, it appeared student-athletes may actively engage or disengage from certain individuals, groups, behaviors, or activities in relation to their perceptions of prestige and sense of belonging. Practical implications suggest coaches and athletics staff should collectively aim to create a team culture that demonstrates norms, values, and behaviors that elevate and support student-athletes’ holistic identity development.
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