Humanitarian Athletic Participation and Identity Work

Bibliographic Data

ID5285567
AuthorsAmanda Terrell (University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, corresponding author), Benjamin Houltberg, Benjamin J Houltberg (0000-0001-7082-6981, University of Southern California), Sarah Brown (0000-0001-7699-4417), Sarah J Brown (0000-0002-5859-4214, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville), Rachel Falco (Fuller Theological Seminary), Sarah A Schnitker (0000-0002-2403-9765, Baylor University), Sarah Schnitker
Year2021
Volume3
Pages669547-669547
Publication date2021-10-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fspor.2021.669547
PMID34778754
OpenAlexW3209642069
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited67

Numerous studies examine youth purpose and volunteerism, but only few investigate how altruistic activities shape identity development within athletic contexts. Endurance-based humanitarian fundraising teams are becoming increasingly popular forms of volunteerism among adolescents and young adults in the United States, but little is known about their developmental role. Twenty-four participants (15-21 years of age; M = 17.42) were interviewed to identify the prominent themes that arose from their experiences while training for and participating in a marathon. A thematic analysis was used to determine the dominant themes that characterized the intersection of humanitarian marathon training and running with aspects of identity work. The majority of the comments of the participants were directly tied to their experiences in running the marathon. Four themes were identified including identity work, faith, purpose, and social connection. More so than exploring their possible selves, a consistent theme throughout the interview with the participants was what they learned about their current selves and the capacities they already possessed during their marathon experience

Faith · Identity (music · Qualitative research · Social group · Social identity theory · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Theme (computing · Work (physics · Gender Studies · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support

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Open DOIOpen Access