ABSTRACT
Sport psychology is still a relatively young scientific field and has evolved through different research foci and methodological emphases. Horton and Mack reported that marathon runners with higher athletic identity reported more commitment to running, better performance, and an expanded social network. In recent years, cultural perspectives on athletic identity have been gaining ground, contributing to a better understanding of how contextual factors and sport participants other identities might contribute to experiences and inclusion/exclusion in our sporting cultures. While the specific ways that sport psychology consultants choose to work with clients depend on the professional philosophy and theoretical perspective they work from, certain considerations on addressing athletic identity when working with clients remain salient. Athletic identity can be an important dimension for understanding athletes’ experiences, career development, and decision-making, as well as performance and well-being issues.
