An Index Approach to Early Specialization Measurement: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The methodological underpinnings of studies into early specialization have recently been critiqued. Previous researchers have commented on the variety of, and over-simplified, methods used to capture early specialization. This exploratory study, therefore, suggests a new direction for how early specialization can be conceptualized and measured. We aim to create an index approach whereby early specialization is measured as a continuous variable, in line with commonly used definitions. The continuous variable for degrees of early specialization is calculated from a questionnaire which captures the four key components of early specialization; (1) intensity, (2) year-round training, (3) single sport, and (4) commencing age 12 or younger. The proposed index approach is illustrated in a sample of 290 Swedish aesthetic performers aged 12-20 years (M = 15.88), whose descriptive statistics are used to discuss the suitability and usability of the measure. The proposed index approach functions as a guideline to future researchers. We hope that introducing a new index approach we will encourage further discussion around the measurement of early specialization. Additionally, we hope to pave the way for future research to explore more complex research questions.

Early specialisation among Swedish aesthetic performers: exploring motivation and perceptions of parental influence

“…In fact, those who reported a higher degree of early specialisation reported slightly lower controlled motivation, which directly contradicts much of the previous literature. However, the results presented here are in line with a wider movement in early specialisation research, where researchers have recently begun to reconsider some of the beliefs and recommendations surrounding early specialisation (Baker et al, 2021;DiSanti & Erickson, 2019;Downing et al, 2020;Kliethermes et al, 2021;Larson et al, 2019;Mosher et al, 2020). Such concerns are driven by an influx of recent research reporting null results when investigating the psychological associations of early specialisation (DiSanti & Erickson, 2019;Larson et al, 2019;Russell et al, 2017).…”

“…An index approach capturing degrees of early specialisation was used (Downing et al, 2020). The index approach aims to capture each of the individual components of early specialisation (single sport, intensity, year-round, and ≤12 years old), in line with LaPrade and colleagues' (2016) definition.…”

“…Firstly, measuring early specialisation has been identified as problematic (DiSanti & Erickson, 2019;Downing et al, 2020;Mosher et al, 2020). Here we adopted an index approach, which is a new way to capture early specialisation.…”

“…Our lack of support for the DMSP highlights some potential problems with the generalisability of the model to Swedish aesthetic activities. Researchers have also begun to highlight other areas of contention with the model in terms of the definition of "sampling" (Downing et al, 2020;Henriksen et al, 2010;Storm et al, 2012). Future research should continue to explore the suitability of generalised recommendations in relation to early specialisation.…”

Higher Family Affluence is Associated With Multi-Sport Participation Among Irish Youth

“…Questions asked within the CSPPA allowed an analysis of the level of sport specialization, defined on the basis of two variables: the number of clubs in which the participant was a member (1, 2, 3…7+) and the number of days per week that the participant was engaged in community sport (1, 2–3 or 4+ days per week) ( Downing et al, 2020 ; Nagano & Oyama, 2023 ). Individuals were classified as ‘specialized’ if they participated 4+ days per week (the highest option on the CSPPA survey) in a single sport (4+DSS).…”