Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Self-Narrative Profiles of Elite Athletes and Comparisons on Psychological Well-Being
Benjamin J Houltberg1, Kenneth T Wang1, Wei Qi1
1a Fuller Theological Seminary.
Abstract:
Further research is needed on factors related to the emotional health of elite athletes. Previous research has linked self-narratives of people or their narrative identities to their psychological well-being. However, no study has yet examined self-narratives among elite athletes.
Purpose:
This study examined whether specific profiles or narrative identities of athletes emerge through multiple self-narrative indicators; these profiles were compared on measures of psychological well-being (e.g., depression, anxiety, postfailure shame levels, and life satisfaction).
Method:
Self-report data were collected from a sample of elite athletes (n = 99, Mdn age = 22 years, 52% male, 53% individual sports) competing at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1, professional, or Olympic level.
Results:
Latent profile analysis revealed 3 profile types that significantly differed on measures of psychological well-being. Athletes with a performance-based narrative identity (high perfectionism, fear of failure, and contingent self-worth) demonstrated the highest levels of psychological disruptions (highest levels of depression, anxiety, and shame; lowest levels of life satisfaction), whereas a purpose-based narrative identity (high purpose, global self-worth, positive view of self after sport) was associated with the highest level of psychological well-being (lowest levels of depression, anxiety, and shame; highest levels of life satisfaction). Athletes in the mixed-type profile class reported better psychological well-being compared with the performance-based profile class but not the purpose-based profile class.
Conclusions:
Our findings provide initial evidence that particular self-narrative profiles of elite athletes contribute to their own psychological well-being in a significant way. Possible implications for practitioners are also discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dissolution: Requirements and Profile Comparison
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Defining Psychology
Psychology as a Science
The scientific method in psychology involves six critical steps: making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, analyzing...
Freudian Psychology
Gestalt Psychology

