Moral Reasoning of High School Student Athletes and General Students: An Empirical Study versus Personal Testimony

The 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.