Athletic Identity: An Observational Assessment of Physical Activity Motivation and Potential Implications for Educators

Authors

  • Derek W. Elton Georgia State University
  • Matthew R. Bice Baker University
  • Thomas J. Orr University of Mary
  • Megan M. Adkins University of Nebraska - Kearney

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TPE-2026-V83-I3-12809

Abstract

Identifying as an athlete can shape how one perceives themselves and affects their motivation to be physically active. The purpose of this study was to examine the motivational relationship between athletic identity and physical activity motivation among college students. This study recruited 343 (65.6%, Female) undergraduate college students from a midsized midwestern university. A cross-sectional design was used to examine several types of variables related to athletic identity, motivation, and physical activity. Correlations and ANOVA analyses were used to assess associations and variable differences. While athletes reported significant relationships between all the constructs of athletic identity, non-athletes reported significantly higher athletic identity motivational constructs. Athlete identification can be used as an impacting factor of health behaviors directly influencing the prediction of future health behaviors. College campuses accommodate students through intramurals, but a larger exploration should be completed as more people reclaim the term “athlete.” By incorporating elements of athletic identity within the health and/or a physical education curriculum, teachers could create an additional pathway to connect with students and potentially motivate them to adopt and maintain physically active lifestyles, all while mitigating the negative consequences associated with athletic identity loss. 

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Published

2026-04-21

Issue

Vol. 83 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Sagamore Publishing LLC (hereinafter the “Copyright Owner”)

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