Abstract
Identity theory states that our sense of self is composed of multiple roles or identities (IDs) that we hold (parent, teacher, athlete). It has been suggested that enrolling children in sport has become a means through which parents define themselves, and that this is fueled by the increasing social value placed on athletic achievement. The present investigation assessed to what degree parents reported athletic-ID centering around their child's sport participation; examined potential differences in expectations and social control as a function of parents' ID; and determined the association between parents' ID and social networks, and behaviour defined as the pursuit of specialized sport opportunities. Parents of children aged 8-12 in recreational sport participated in this prospective, observational study. Data was collected at three time points. Parents' athletic-IDs ranged from 1.00-6.67/7. MANOVA (p=.002) revealed that those with stronger athletic-IDs reported exercising more social control over their child's sport engagement (Low=2.04, High=2.68) and had higher outcome expectations for their children to build a strong social group (Low=5.76, High=6.62) and achieve a high level in sport (Low=4.15, H=5.44, ps<.05). Athletic-ID at baseline was not associated with the importance of connecting with other parents, and was negatively associated with plans for pursuing specialized sport (r=-.23), nor did it predict who chose to enroll their children in specialized sport opportunities. These findings provide evidence that parents do indeed form IDs based on their child's sport participation. The influence these IDs have on parents' perceptions may contribute to how they shape the sport experience for their kids.Acknowledgments: SSHRC Small Institutions Grant; Acadia Honours Summer Research Award