Athletic Identity and Identity Foreclosure Among Student Athletes at an NJCAA Institution

Abstract

The present study investigated the levels of athletic identity and identity foreclosure among student athletes to explore differences based on gender, race, ethnicity, and sport played. Additionally, the relationships between athletic identity and identity foreclosure were examined. Data were collected from 150 student athletes at a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I institution, and the results were analyzed using reliability testing procedures, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics. The following results were obtained: (a) high levels of athletic identity were reported with no significant differences based on demographic data; (b) identity foreclosure levels were low to moderate, with significant differences based on sport played and gender; and (c) a positive relationship was found between athletic identity and identity foreclosure. These findings suggest that student athletes identify with their athletic identity more than they do with their student identity, therefore putting them at risk of academic detachment. Results underscore the importance of understanding the challenges of the student athlete and the importance of academic and career development interventions.