How Years of Sport Training Influence the Level of Moral Competences of Physical Education and Sport Students

Background: The study purpose was to investigate the level of moral competences and prosocial behaviours in a physical activity (PA) context and differences between first year freshman students enrolled in both the physical education and sport coaching majors.

Methods: We draw on data from students of the Faculties of Physical Education (109) and Sport (94) at Poznan University of Physical Education. For measurement, Lind's Moral Competence Test was used. Comparative analysis of differences between the groups was undertaken with the use of Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance was used for further analysis.

Results: The results show that there were no significant differences between the examined students in majority of the characteristics. Students comply with the recommended levels of physical activity, but 70% present low level of moral competences. Parents were the most influential factors in moral development across levels of competences and genders. More years of sports training showed a positive relationship with moral development (only in the group of male students with high level of moral competency).

Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is recommended to consider the changes in physical education and sport students education training programmes which should include more critical reflection and life-long learning competences.