Playing Multiple Positions

• Published in: Journal of intercollegiate sport Vol. 11; no. 2
• Main Authors: Landy Di Lu, Kathryn L. Heinze, Sara Soderstrom
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Kansas Libraries 01.12.2018
• Subjects: identity conflict; identity salience; student-athletes; survey methods
• DOI: 10.1123/jis.2018-0034
• ISSN: 1941-6342

Student-athletes enact dual roles, as students and athletes, and hold corresponding identities. The salience of these identities and conflict between them have implications for student-athlete wellness. The purpose of this study was to (a) gain insight into organizational and individual characteristics associated with identity salience, by examining student-athletes across universities; and (b) shed light on situations of identity salience and conflict for student-athletes. We conducted a survey study of student-athletes across 17 universities that captured both quantitative and qualitative data. Our results reveal a relationship between identity salience and individual performance (academic and athletic) and university ranking. Further, we found an interaction between athlete and student identity salience, such that identifying strongly as a student, athlete, both, or neither has implications for conflict. Finally, by unpacking situations of identity salience and conflict, we show similarities and differences across student-athletes’ experiences. This study has implications for universities and athletic departments.