Adolescent Media Use For Role Model Creation And Identity Formation

Role models offer adolescents a framework to determine their values, attitudes, and behavior. This study examines high school students¿ use of various media outlets in obtaining information about their role models, how they incorporate that information into their daily lives, and how that aids in identity development. In particular, this project focuses on selective media exposure to role models by young female athletes (soccer players) and non-athletes (musicians) compared to that of young male athletes (soccer players) and non-athletes (musicians). The primary group of interest is adolescent female soccer players. The dependent measures include: 1) media use patterns by athletes and non-athletes; 2) role model selection during and after the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece; and 3) athletic and musical participation levels during and after the Olympics.