Playing Multiple Positions

• Main Authors: Landy Di Lu (Author), Kathryn L. Heinze (Author), Sara Soderstrom (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: University of Kansas Libraries, 2018-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1123/jis.2018-0034; 1941-6342; 1941-417X
• Keywords: identity conflict; identity salience; student-athletes; survey methods; Recreation leadership. Administration of recreation services; GV181.35-181.6; Sports; GV557-1198.995
• Source: Journal of Intercollegiate Sport, Vol 11, Iss 2 (2018)

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.