Are athletes addicted to their identity? The development and validation of the Athletic Identity Addiction (AIA) scale

• Main Authors: Matt R. Huml, Calvin Nite
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bowling Green State University 2019-12-01
• Series: Journal of Athlete Development and Experience
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/jade/vol1/iss3/1/

The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the extent to which athletic identity is related to the tenets of addiction. Specifically, it was investigated whether athletes experience a behavioral addiction regarding their participation and involvement in sport. A total of 576 athletes (118 student-athletes, 458 former student-athletes) were included within a two-phase study. The first phase focused on crafting and testing the instrument, while the second phase refining the instrument for validity and reliability. Results indicated a four-factor solution comprising the Athletic Identity Addiction (AIA) scale: (1) mood alteration, (2) withdrawal, (3) life conflict, and (4) relapse. Concerns within the EFA led us to remove salience and tolerance before reaching the final model. Each of the four factors established within AIA is substantiated by previous studies outlining challenges faced by athletes. This research provides insight into deep seeded issues of athletic identity, indicating the importance of sport managers’ developing appropriate means for aiding athletes in transitioning from elite sport participation. Findings also provide future, alternative perspectives for researchers to examine athletic identity.