Goal orientation, sport identities, and risky sexual behavior

ABSTRACT

Guided by toxic jock theory and achievement goal theory, the purpose of this study was to examine goal orientations and sport identities as predictors of risky sexual behavior. The participants (N = 445; 52.3% male, 47.5% female) were college students who reported playing organized sports regularly (at least once or twice a week) in high school. Logistic regression was used to combine jock identity and ego orientation to predict risky sexual behavior. Findings suggested toxic jock theory and achievement goal theory do not intersect to moderate risky sexual behaviors; however, achievement goal theory might be used as a mechanism to moderate risky sexual behaviors. Gender also emerged as a significant predictor; however, not in the expected direction. In this study, females were more likely than males to engage in risky sexual behavior. Implications were provided for future research based on the findings of this study.

KEYWORDS:

• Risky sexual behavior
• athlete identity
• jock identity
• goal orientation

Acknowledgement

The author would like to acknowledge Aaron Brent, MS for his contributions in this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Steven Maberry is a research associate at the Louisiana State University Office of Social Service Research and Development (OSSRD). In addition to a PhD in Social Work from LSU, Dr. Maberry also holds a Master of Science in kinesiology (LSU) and a Master of Science in Education in rehabilitation counselling (Hunter College).