Relationship between Orientation to Ideal Self and Participation in Exercise and Sports Setting

Abstract

This study sought to assess orientation to ideal self in an exercise and sports setting by developing the Ideal Self Orientation Scale for Exercise and Sports (ISOSES). In Stage 1 to develop the scale, participants were 170 university students. Principal component analysis revealed 8 items as single principal components, and the scale showed the reliability and validity. Furthermore, a t-test revealed no significant gender difference in scale scores. Participants in Stage 2 were 170 university students. The ideal self for exercise and sports setting was investigated using the KJ method, and results revealed that many students identify athletes with high performance, mental toughness, and sociality as their ideal self. In Stage 3, participants were 167 university students. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the influence of the orientation to ideal self on participation in exercise and sports setting. ISOSES scores revealed a significant influence on participation in exercise and sports setting. The present findings suggest that orientation to ideal self promotes exercise and sports participation.