A1 Journal article (refereed)
Associations Between Student‐Athletes’ Self‐Esteem and Career Adaptability Across the High School Years (2022)

Nikander, J. A., Aunola, K., Tolvanen, A., & Ryba, T. V. (2022). Associations Between Student‐Athletes’ Self‐Esteem and Career Adaptability Across the High School Years. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 32(4), 789-797. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14114

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Nikander, Jaakko A.O.; Aunola, Kaisa; Tolvanen, Asko; Ryba, Tatiana V.

Journal or series: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports

ISSN: 0905-7188

eISSN: 1600-0838

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 18/12/2021

Volume: 32

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 789-797

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14114

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79336

Abstract

The key challenges in sustainable elite sports concern young athletes´ holistic development. Consequently, preparation for dual careers has been recommended to enhance athletes’ well-being and equip them for life after sports. The aim of this study was to examine the developmental associations between self-esteem and career adaptability among adolescent athletes across the high school years and investigate the role of gender in these developmental trajectories. A total of 391 student-athletes were followed up four times from the beginning of high school (T1) to its end (T4) using the Dual Career Form of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale and the Self-Esteem Questionnaire. The results indicated that individual differences in student-athletes’ self-esteem and career adaptability were relatively stable across the high school years and were thus modeled via the between-persons factors capturing differences between individuals across time. The results further showed that the overall levels of self-esteem and career adaptability were positively associated. Males showed higher overall levels of career adaptability and self-esteem than females. This study suggests that it is important to facilitate youth athletes’ self-regulation resources by involving them in vocational developmental tasks. Further, gender differences should be considered when supporting student-athletes’ development.

Keywords: young people; athletes; study; professional sports career; adaptation (change); self-esteem; mental well-being; gender differences

Free keywords: dual career; career adaptability; gender; self-esteem; well-being; adolescence

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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 2