Sport specialization predicts athletic identity exclusivity in youth athletes: a three-wave RI-CLPM study of controlling coaching and non-sport peer restriction with implications for adolescent care

Background

Sport specialization has usually been examined through biomedical outcomes such as overuse injury, burnout, and premature dropout. Less is known about whether specialization is prospectively associated with adolescent identity development by narrowing opportunities for exploration beyond sport. Drawing on identity status theory, self-determination theory, and bioecological systems theory, this study examined whether sport specialization intensity predicts athletic identity exclusivity among youth athletes and whether longitudinal indirect pathways involve controlling coach behaviors and non-sport peer restriction.