How Athletics Have Become An Important Social Context Of...

Athletics have become an increasingly important social context of adolescence and growing up. Many children are introduced to recreation athletics at a young age and thus learn both physical competence, and social skills while also having fun (Weiss, 2000). It is often the case that once individuals graduate from high school they cease their athletic career in exchange for greater focus on academics. If being part of a collegiate team actually helps an individual develop, would that encourage more athletes to continue their career? In Foubert and Grainger’s (2006) study, it was reported that students who participate in extra-curricular activities exhibit increased levels of acceptance and tolerance towards their peers. Another study by†¦show more content†¦This becomes crucial to both their development and the way they adjust to the college environment (Adams, et al., 2000). Since support is so important to student development, it is crucial to look at all vectors tha t can provide this support. When looking at college athletics as a source of support, it may come from teammates, coaches, or the atmosphere as a whole. By receiving support, whichever vector it may come from, a solid base for identity exploration development can be provided to students (Grau, Azmitia Quattlebaum, 2009). This study will focus on the stage theory that Erik Erikson first introduced in 1950 as a series of stages outlining the psychosocial development of an individual (McLeod, 2008). This theory is comprised of an individual’s advancements in thought, behavior and emotional abilities. One particular advantage to using this theory is that it gives researchers the ability to identify which environments are most suitable for identity development. Multiple studies have looked into the role that social niches have on an individual’s identity development, but few have specifically looked at the psychosocial development of athletes compared to their non-athlete peers. In Sheridan, Coffee, and Lavallee’s (2014) study they reported that a positive athletic environment fostered an increased social developmental level in youths. With such increased