Identity

Question 1

What does identity involve?

Answer 1

involves both:

• individual and social meaning
• interplay between individual and society

Question 2

What are the key aspects of identity theory? (5)

Answer 2

1. meaning of identity - who we want to be
2. output - how we behave in situations
3. perception input of meaning - reflective appraisal: how people see us
4. compare perceptions with identity standards
5. emotions that result from the comparative process

Question 3

What is identity theory?

Answer 3

We take on identity standard and behave a certain way, receive feedback and compare ourselves then make changes to try achieve the identity standard.

Question 4

What is athletic identity?

Answer 4

Extent to which people identify themselves as an athlete

Question 5

What is exercise identity?

Answer 5

Degree to which people identify themselves as physically active

Question 6

Describe the two dimensions of athletic identity

Answer 6

• private: one’s perceptions that s/he thinks and feels like an athlete
• public: awareness of others perceptions of the person as an athlete

Question 7

Negative outcomes of exercise identity

Answer 7

• obsessive or deviant behaviours

Question 8

Positive outcomes of exercise identity

Answer 8

• positively associated with exercise intentions and behaviours
• commitment, motivation and self-efficacy

Question 9

What is narrative identity?

Answer 9

Internalized and evolving story that provides unity, meaning and purpose. It is a reflection of past experiences and how it has shaped the present and future.

Question 10

6 common principles of narrative identity

Answer 10

• the self is storied
• stories integrate lives
• stories are told in social relationships
• stories change over time
• stories are cultural texts
• some stories are better than others