Identity & Athletes: When “Athlete” Becomes Your Identity (Part 3)

Part 3

What happens when we commit to who we are before we get the opportunity to explore who we can be?

How does this impact us as athletes?

In Part 3 of this 5-part Identity & Athletes conversation, Dr. Parks Springer and I talk about athlete identity as it relates to Identity Foreclosure. What is Identity Foreclosure? It is defined as an identity status in which a person commits to an identity, career, values, or beliefs without first exploring meaningful alternatives.

We also discuss the pros and cons of being a committed athlete and the challenges and deep sense of loss athletes face when they retire.

For more information, services, and resources from Dr. Lilly Parks Springer, visit www.parkspsychology.com. License #PSY36146