SPORT INVOLVEMENT AND SELF-CONCEPT IN GERMAN AND AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

In contrast to the tendency to globalization in the world of sport, the scientific research into sport is largely restricted by national boundaries. The present study tries to break out of the parochial isolation characteristic of social sport studies. To do this, we identify self-concept and development tasks as central features of identity development in adolescence. After briefly discussing the theoretical and methodological problems of cross-cultural research, we empirically investigate the self-concept of selected groups of German and American adolescents. Furthermore, the relationship between involvement in sport and self-concept among adolescents in Germany and the USA will be examined. With regard to the pecularities of cross-cultural research the results are twofold. On the one hand, we found significantly higher self-concept scores for the American adolescents than for their German counterparts. On the other hand, there are more similarities than differences between the groups when age and gender effects on self-concept are under scrutiny. As far as the relationship between involvement in sport and self-concept is concerned, the empirical analysis reveals a positive trend valid across cultures, with those adolescents scoring highest on the self-concept measurement for whom sport plays an important role in their everyday life.