Determining the Dimensionality of Athletic Identity: A «Herculean» Cross-Cultural Undertaking

Athletic identity bas been defined as the degree to which the individual identifies with the athletic role (Brewer et al., 1993b). Initial factor analysis of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) revealed a unidimensional solution, but recent analyses with sport samples (Brewer et al., 1993a; Hale, 1995; Martin et al., 1994) show a multidimensional three-factor measure (social identity, exclusivity, negative affect), further confirmatory factor analysis of a large multicultural athlete sample (N = 1160) produced a multidimensional result with cross-cultural differences. Based on the conflicting multidimensional findings reported, more psychometric research seems necessary on the AIMS before it proves useful for personality research in sport.