Explaining the self-conception of perceived conduct using indicators of moral functioning in physical education

The purpose of this study was to determine whether four indicators of moral functioning in physical education (moral judgment, moral reason, moral intention, and prosocial behavior) predicted the self-conception of perceived conduct. Participants were 204 male (n = 87) and female (n = 117) physical education students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. For the male students, the four indicators of moral functioning were found to be highly related, and, so, no subsequent analyses were conducted. For the female students, a standard multiple regression analysis revealed that the indicators of moral functioning accounted for 21% of the variance in perceived conduct. Discussion of the results highlights the value of considering in combination the moral functioning and self-concept literatures.