Personal identity and perceived racial dissimilarity among college athletes.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of personal identity on the relationship between individual dissimilarity and subsequent outcomes. Data were collected from 271 student-athletes participating in a variety of National Collegiate Athletic Association sports. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that the relationship between actual racial dissimilarity and perceived racial dissimilarity was stronger for persons with a strong racial personal identity than for other athletes. Further analyses indicated that person-team fit mediated the relationship between perceived racial dissimilarity and satisfaction with the team. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical contributions and practical implications.