Multidimensional Self-concepts of Elite Athletes: How Do They Differ from the General Population?

• Published in: Journal of sport & exercise psychology 1995-03, Vol.17 (1), p.70-83
• Main Authors: Marsh, Herbert W., Perry, Clark, Horsely, Chris, Roche, Lawrence
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athletes; Psychological tests; Self image; Sports psychology
• ISSN: 0895-2779; 1543-2904
• DOI: 10.1123/jsep.17.1.70

A broad cross-section of elite athletes ( n = 83) was compared to a normative sample ( n = 2,436) of nonathletes on the 13 self-concept scales for the Self-Description Questionnaire III (SDQIII). On these scales athletes had substantially higher Physical Ability self-concepts than nonathletes, but did not differ on Physical Appearance self-concepts. There were smaller differences favoring athletes on social scales (Same Sex, Opposite Sex, and Parent Relationships), Global Esteem, and the total self-concept. Group differences were not statistically significant for the academic scales (Math, Verbal, Academic, and Problem Solving) and Emotional self-concept, whereas nonathletes had marginally higher Spiritual and Honesty self-concepts. Athlete/nonathlete differences varied somewhat according to gender, generally favoring women athletes. Because the pattern of group differences (e.g., large differences in Physical Ability and minimal differences in Academic self-concept scales) is reasonably similar to a priori predictions, the results provide further support for the construct validity of SDQIII responses.