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ERIC Number: EJ1091008
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1357-3322
EISSN: N/A
"I Just Want to Be 'Me' When I Am Exercising": Adrianna's Construction of a Vulnerable Exercise Identity
Rossing, Hilde; Ronglan, Lars-Tore; Scott, Susie
Sport, Education and Society, v21 n3 p339-355 2016
This study explores the social and dynamic aspects of the concept "exercise identity". Previous research, mainly in psychology, has documented a link between exercise identity and exercise behaviour. However, the process of identity formation is not straightforward but rather something that can change with time, context and interaction with others. Subsequently, the present work is informed by a social constructivist approach that views exercise identity as a social product and the formation of it as a social process. Our case study of "Adrianna" examined through a biographical narrative analysis how such an identity may be constructed through interaction and over the life course. Three themes were identified; Adrianna's relationship to (1) significant others, (2) her body and (3) sociocultural norms and expectations. Reflecting this fluidity of exercise identities, we suggest the alternative concept "vulnerable exercise identity" to better understand the subtler dynamics of exercise identity formation and development. Adrianna's case is presented as a "recognizable story", representative of the struggle many people face when trying to become more physically active in contemporary western societies.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Norway
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A