Possible Selves, Identity and Psychosocial Development of Young People through Sport

Project ID: SATCH1

Possible Selves theory (Markus & Nurius, 1986) explores how individuals imagine and aspire to become versions of themselves in the future. In conceptualising and envisioning their future possible selves, young people can incorporate both positive and negative self-aspects within their mental representations and projections. The theory explores people’s perceptions of confidence in becoming their desired ‘self’ contrasted with the fear of becoming their undesired ‘self’ in the future. To this end, Possible Selves theory holds significant implications for the development of a young person's self-concept and identity, including the environments in which these individuals develop.

During adolescence, individuals engage in the process of identity formation and their envisioned identities can significantly shape motivation, behaviour, and performance in achievement settings such as sport. Such identities can be influenced by many factors including parents and siblings. The connection between possible selves and identity in sports is important to understand further. Athletes can derive a significant part of their identity from their sporting achievements and roles with success contributing positively to their self-concept, further reinforcing a strong sport-related identity. Conversely, repeated setbacks or failures may challenge this identity, leading to anxiety, reduced motivation and influencing athletes to re-evaluate and potentially ruminate over their possible selves. A young athlete’s role models in sport may also have an influential role at the intersection of their developing identity and their possible self. In addition, the psychosocial development of young people in and through sport, including attention to holistic and life skill development activities, may play a key role in the dynamic process of identity formation and growth in self-concept which influences more robust, positive possible selves.

This fully funded PhD opportunity brings together an international supervisory team of world leading researchers and scientist-practitioners in the field of youth sport and holistic athletic development. The aim of this PhD, through an openness to a range of methodological approaches, is to further our understanding of the concept of possible selves, its theoretical and applied value in youth sport settings and its potential links to identity, psychosocial development, mental health and sport environment/cultures.

We are interested in receiving 1500 word research proposals that reflect your scientific interest and academic skills in advancing this area within youth sport over the course of three to four studies. There has been very little published in sport around this theory and so we encourage proposals that begin to move the field from theory towards practice in this space and help young people in desirable ways.

Reference:

Markus, H., & Nurius, P. (1986). Possible selves. American Psychologist, 41(9), 954–969

Supervisory Team 

Professor Chris Harwood, Nottingham Trent University

Professor Camilla Knight, Swansea University

Professor Kris Henriksen, University of Southern Denmark

Professor Paul Wylleman, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Dr. Fieke Rongen, Nottingham Trent University

1st class/2:1 undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Psychology or related discipline. Completed masters level qualification with a high merit or distinction profile/or evidence of substantive published research works in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Sport and Exercise Science, or related discipline. Evidence of training and academic performance in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods at postgraduate level will be important.

Fully funded PhD studentship for UK applicants only.