Social and Psychological Aspects

Assessment of Relationship Among Athlete Uniform Wearing and the Impact on Student-Athlete Mental Health, Mediated by Athlete Identity

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Abstract

The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate how student-athletes’ mental health can be  enhanced by wearing athletic uniforms, establishing athlete identity. A quantitative approach (e.g., web-based survey)was employed to explore the suggested research model (N=210). The study results revealed that the number of years of wearing athletic uniforms leads to athlete identity, and athlete identity mediates the number of years of wearing athletic uniform and student-athlete mental health. The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature by filling the gap concerning athlete uniform, identity, and student-athlete mental health. Based on our findings, we encourage sport programs to create programs educating athletes on identity and mental health coping strategies, and the continuation of current sports uniform design practices. Continual research efforts should explore the relationship between athletic uniforms and athlete identity, as well as athletic uniforms and perceived teammate acceptance.

Keywords: clothing, mental health, athlete identity, student-athlete

How to Cite:

Hogans, K., Lyu, J. & Han, J., (2020) “Assessment of Relationship Among Athlete Uniform Wearing and the Impact on Student-Athlete Mental Health, Mediated by Athlete Identity”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 77(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.12252