The Effect of Contingent Self-Esteem and Authenticity in College Athlete's Self-Development on Their Mental Health

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sense of authenticity (SOA) and contingent self-esteem (CSE) in college athletes' self-development on their mental health. University students (n =241) answered the sense of authenticity scale (SOAS) and the contingent self-esteem scale (CSES) administered as indicators of self-development, and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28: somatic complaints, anxiety and insomnia, and severe depression). They were classified as athletes (n =156) or non-athletes (n =85). The results of examining the effect of SOA and CSE were as follows. SOA promoted the mental health in athletes and non-athletes. CSE promoted anxiety and insomnia in athletes, but showed no effect on any subscales of the GHQ-28 in non-athletes. Almost no difference in CSE was seen between athletes and non-athletes, although SOA was higher in athletes than non-athletes. The effect of CSE on anxiety and insomnia among athletes did not disappear with the influence of SOA. It has been suggested that SOA and CSE are located at opposite poles conceptually. However, the commitment of athletes to the athletic setting was promoted by their self-worth contingent on sporting achievements, which lead to performance enhancement. This indicates that neither SOA nor CSE is necessarily located at opposite poles conceptually for athletes. These results suggest first the possibility that there are states of SOA and CSE characteristic to athletes, and second the need to consider self-development from both of SOA and CSE in relation to athletes.