Research Links Personal Perception of Athletic Ability to Personality, Family Background, and Past Experiences

A recent study conducted among college students in Japan explores how individuals’ self-assessment of their athletic ability correlates with various internal traits and external influences. Researchers, including Sho Ito from Nanzan University, examined the factors shaping how students perceive their own physical capabilities across different sports such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball. The study, published in PLOS One, indicates that those who view themselves as more athletic tend to exhibit personality traits like grit, resilience, and a growth mindset.

Participants who perceived themselves as more athletic were more often the youngest siblings in their families, had early physical milestones like walking at a younger age, and possessed substantial sports experience. They also tended to have athletic parents and come from higher-income households. Conversely, these students were less engaged in leisure activities like music or gaming.

The findings suggest that perception of athleticism is influenced not only by personality and sports experiences but also significantly shaped by early childhood environments and family backgrounds. Interestingly, the study found that younger siblings often perceived themselves as more athletic, possibly due to imitation of older siblings. While these insights shed light on what forms an individual’s sense of athletic ability, the researchers emphasize that the study does not establish causality, and further research is needed to clarify how these factors directly impact self-perception.

Understanding these determinants can contribute to refining how we define 'athletic ability' and potentially aid in motivating physical activity among young people, affecting health and academic performance outcomes. More details can be found in the full study by Ito et al. (2025).