Moral Reasoning of High School Student Athletes and General Students: An Empirical Study versus Personal Testimony
in Pediatric Exercise ScienceThe purpose of this study was to analyze cognitive moral reasoning of high school student athletes and their nonathlete peers (n = 1,330). Students were evaluated with the Hahm-Beller Values Choice Inventory in the Sport Milieu. Nonathletes (NA) scored significantly higher (M = 67.75, SEM = 0.39) compared to team sport (TS) athletes (M = 62.10, SEM = 0.40). Females scored significantly higher (M = 68.78, SEM = 0.34) than males (M = 60.97, SEM = 0.38). Female NA (M = 69.54, SEM = 0.33) and female TS athletes (M = 67.50, SEM = 0.35) scored significantly different compared to male TS athletes (M = 59.21, SEM = 0.42). This study supports cognitive research data of collegiate athlete populations. Interscholastic athletes reason from a less consistent, impartial, and reflective moral reasoning than do nonathletes.
Jennifer M. Beller is with the Department of HPERD at Eastern Michigan University, 235 Warner Bldg., Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Sharon Kay Stoll is with the Center for ETHICS* at the University of Idaho, Memorial Gymnasium, Moscow, ID 83843.
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