Moral disengagement and the self in sport

Caitlin McGonigal Alerding, Purdue University

Abstract

Sport morality research has established a positive relationship between moral disengagement and antisocial behavior (e.g., Boardley & Kavussanu, 2007; d’Arripe-Longueville et al., 2010; Hodge & Lonsdale, 2011; Lucidi et al., 2004). Through the psychological process of moral disengagement, individuals deactivate negative self sanctions for antisocial behavior (Bandura, 1991). In reducing self sanctions, individuals can engage in antisocial behavior without the experience of negative emotions, such as guilt and shame. Emerging research has advanced the understanding of antecedents of moral disengagement (Boardley & Kavussanu, 2010; Gaines, 2010; Hodge & Lonsdale, 2011). To further expand the knowledge base, the current study was designed to address the relationship of several self-related variables to moral disengagement and antisocial behavior. More specifically, global self-worth, perceived physical, social, and behavioral competence, and guilt, shame, and externalization proneness were investigated as antecedents of moral disengagement and antisocial behavior. Moreover, moral disengagement was investigated as a possible mediator of the associations among the self-related variables and antisocial behavior. Male (n = 137) and female (n = 56) lacrosse players from 12 high schools in Indiana completed self-report measures of global self-worth, perceived physical, social, and behavioral competence, guilt proneness, shame proneness, externalization proneness, moral disengagement and antisocial behavior. Multiple regression analyses revealed that perceived behavioral competence, guilt proneness, and shame proneness negatively predicted and externalization proneness positively predicted moral disengagement. Perceived physical competence, perceived behavioral competence, and guilt proneness negatively predicted antisocial behavior. Moral disengagement at least partially mediated the relationship of perceived behavioral competence, guilt proneness, shame proneness, and externalization proneness with antisocial behavior. Results for global self-worth, perceived social competence, and perceived physical competence provided additional insight into moral disengagement and antisocial behavior in sport. The current study provides empirical support for the importance of the self in sport-related moral disengagement. Perceived behavioral competence and guilt, shame, and externalization proneness explained a meaningful proportion of variance in moral disengagement, suggesting that individual perceptions and emotions are important contributors to athlete moral disengagement. Moreover, the current study extends previous research addressing the link of moral disengagement with antisocial behavior. Taken together, the findings of the current study offer a platform for future research. Future research that targets additional self-related variables, incorporates environment-related constructs, and employs longitudinal and experimental designs will meaningfully extend the knowledge base. As understanding of moral disengagement and antisocial behavior deepens, practitioners can use this knowledge to develop efficacious strategies to decrease moral disengagement and antisocial behavior and to foster positive development through sport participation.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Smith, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Physical education|Psychology|Recreation

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