Moral competence: is there a bond between general and sport-specific ones in student athletes. A questionable...

Sport plays a growing role in promoting not only physical health but also moral development and personal growth. This study explores the relationship between general-life and sport-specific moral competencies among university students enrolled in sport-related programs (N.=1035; M=20.4±1.7 years).

Participants were assessed with the use of Moral Competence Test and Moral Competence in Physical Education test. The sample included students practicing individual sports (N.=492), team sports (N.=487), and those not engaged in sports (N.=56). Participants were categorized into 11 sport types and further into amateur (N.=537) and professional (N.=442) status. Statistical analyses (ANOVA, correlation) examined differences and associations across groups.

Results showed that amateurs in individual sports had significantly higher levels of general moral competencies than other groups. A positive, though weak, correlation between general and sport-specific moral competencies was observed among professionals from individual sports (r=0.23, P=0.01). Among the subgroup of professionals, correlations ranged from weak in invasion games (r=0.18) to moderate in non-invasion games (r=0.42). No significant correlations were found among the subgroup of amateurs from team-sport.

Notably, non-athletes exhibited the lowest moral competence levels thus, when compared to sport-engaged groups, indicating a potentially positive influence of sport on moral development.