Impact of sports role model attributes on the development of learners’ self-concept

Abstract

Researchers have postulated that sports role models can positively affect the self-concept of their followers. However, there have been no empirical studies to exploring this social phenomenon. In an effort to bridge this gap, this study examined the impact of sports role model attributes on various facets of self-concept. The study’s participant pool comprised college students who identified a professional athlete as their role model. The sports role model scale (Kim, Koo, Kim, Shin, and Dixon, 2021) was adopted to measure athletic performance and personality. The self-perception scale (Neemann & Harter, 2012) was also adopted to measure scholastic competence, job competence, athletic competence, and social acceptance. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between two predictor variables (athletic performance and personality) and four outcome variables (scholastic competence, job competence, athletic competence, and social acceptance). The results of this study identified a significant influence of each predictor variable on every outcome variable, providing empirical support for both role identification theory and media influence theory within the realm of the sport management. In other words, many college students perceive high-profile athletes as their role models. These young admirers watch their sports role model’s superior athletic performance and their favorable personality. Consequently, the two aspects of professional sports role models positively influence college students to develop four domains of self-concept (scholastic competence, job competence, athletic competence, and social acceptance) which help the students succeed in both professional and personal life. Based on these findings, it is recommended that coaches and administrators in professional sports leagues need to pay attention to athletes’ behavior on and off the venue so athletes can hear feedback from them to keep positive attitude and behavior throughout their career.