Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Imam Khomeini International University, Ghazvin, Iran.
2
PhD, Department of Sociology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to predict and prioritize the sociological components of social identity in professional athletes.
Methods: The current research utilized a mixed research design of sequential exploratory type, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative components. The statistical population consisted of professional athletes, with 150 individuals selected as the research sample in a purposeful and available manner. A researcher-made questionnaire, as well as Safarinia and Roshan's social identity questionnaire, were utilized to collect information. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. Content-related validity was assessed by 10 sports experts, while construct validity was evaluated through exploratory factor analysis. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis test, Friedman test, Pearson correlation test, and regression test were employed to analyze the data.
Results: Qualitative research samples identified wealth, respect, and management as the most significant factors influencing the social identity of professional athletes. The research findings indicated a positive and significant relationship between wealth, respect, management factors, and social identity. However, no significant relationship was found between background variables and social identity. Regression test results revealed that reward and wealth, respect and influence, as well as management factors, had the most substantial impact on the social identity of professional athletes.
Conclusion: Given that reward and wealth, respect and influence, and managerial factors have the most significant impact on social identity, it is recommended to enhance the social identity of professional athletes by increasing facilities and salaries, involving them more in major sports decisions, and providing management support.
Keywords
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