The effects of moral identity on moral emotion and antisocial behavior in sport.

Abstract

Given the prevalence and significance of antisocial behavior in sport, researchers have begun to explore the role that self-conscious moral emotions play in reducing such behavior. In this research, we examined whether moral identity inhibits antisocial behavior and whether this effect is mediated by anticipated guilt. In Study 1, we showed that moral identity was negatively related to antisocial behavior, while in Study 2 we found that this relationship was mediated by anticipated feelings of guilt. Using an experimental design, Study 3 showed that priming moral identity reduced antisocial behavior, and this effect was mediated by moral judgment and anticipated guilt. The present findings suggest that athletes with a robust moral self-schema are less likely to engage in antisocial behavior because of the intense feelings of guilt they are likely to experience when they engage in such behavior.