Abstract
Previous research has indicated that females in adolescence derive an understanding of who they are through the relationships they have with their peers (Harter, 2006; Josselson, 1987). This presentation will review the existing literature related to identity development in early adolescent females and how this development may be influenced by peer groups in organized sport environments. More specifically, this literature will be grounded in Erikson's (1968) theory of Psychosocial Development which provides an overview of the processes adolescents may engage in as they develop their individual identity. In addition, different aspects of peer groups, namely individual friendships and group acceptance, and the possible influence of these aspects on girls' experiences in the sport environment will be discussed. Individual interviews were conducted with female adolescents, aged 15-18. Discussion of the results will include but are not limited to: the influence of individual friendships on the awareness and development of personal characteristics (e.g. hardworking, determined, etc.); the similarities and differences between how an individual may perceive her personal identity in comparison to the ways in which her peers may describe her; and the relationship between friendships and perceptions of personal characteristics (e.g. body image, decision making and sport-specific confidence). Potential directions for future research and practice will be addressed.
