Comparison athletic identity between a team and individual sport

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the comparison athletic identity between a team (Volley ball) and an individual sport (Gymnastic). Gymnastic athletes scored higher mean on athletic identity. In social identity, negative affectivity, and self identity the mean differences were significant. Besides, among gymnastic athletes, the athletic identities in teenagers were more than adults; whereas, this fact in volleyball athletes was completely reversed. Overall, athletic identity in individual sports that athletes are responsible for their performance is more than team sports that all responsibilities are divided among all team athletes. Also, both the age of specialization and type of sports (individual or team sports) affect the athletic identity formation and critical period for identity development .It seems in sports which the age of specialization is lower, athletic identity in teens is more, and in sports which the age of specialization is higher athletic identity in adulthood is more.