Men, Athletic Identity, Masculinity, and Alcohol: an Examination of Health Risk Patterns in Male Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

The aim of study was to examine the health risk behaviors (alcohol use /abuse) of male student athletes and the relationship these behaviors have to their athletic identity and conformity to masculine norms. Alcohol usage has been identified as a significant health risk behavior exhibited by male collegiate athletes and the study sought to examine the correlations with and athletic identity and conformity to masculine norms using the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-46), and the AUDIT-C. Correlation analyses and multiple regression analyses were utilized to statistically explore the relationship between the three variables. Results are carefully discussed taking into consideration potential limitations to the study. Recommendations for further research were also provided.