Sports competition and its relationship to consolidating national identity values among physical education and sports science students at the University of Tripoli

Abstract

The current study aimed to reveal the relationship between the dimensions of sports competition (desire to win, perseverance, and goal orientation) and national identity values (affective, cognitive, behavioral, and social) among students at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tripoli. The researcher adopted a descriptive correlational approach, utilizing two questionnaires prepared for this purpose: a 15-item sports competition scale and a 16-item national identity scale. The tools were applied to a sample of 49 male and female students selected through a comprehensive survey method. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (0.86) between sports competition and national identity values. Results indicated that perseverance and goal orientation dimensions were more closely associated with national identity than the desire to win. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found between genders; male students scored higher in sports competition dimensions (desire to win and goal orientation), while female students showed significantly higher levels in the affective dimension of national identity and perseverance. The study concludes that sports competition serves as a vital tool for fostering loyalty and social cohesion. The researcher recommends developing specialized guidance programs to integrate national values within athletic training curricula to strengthen university students' sense of belonging.