| A variety of qualitative and quantitative measures exist to measure character in sport. These measures, however, are characterized by numerous limitations. In order to address these shortcomings the purpose of this study was to: (a) develop measure of sport character based on the model of moral action and (b) validate the measure through examination of the relationships between character in sport and other psychological variables. Two preliminary phases and four studies were undertaken to address the study purposes. Item development and refinement occurred in the preliminary phases and was grounded in the model of moral action. Items targeting compassion, integrity, sportspersonship, and fairness were developed for the Sport Character Scale (SCS). In total 62 items were created. In study 1, the pilot study, the items were further clarified and refined by a representative sample of 50 Korean athletes. This resulted in two items being deleted. In study 2, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted on responses from 332 Korean athletes (mean age = 19.86 years) participating in a variety (n = 31) of sports. Results of the EFA suggested that a five-factor, 27-item model best fit the data. The factors included Compassion, Fairness, Sportspersonship, Antisocial Attitude, and Integrity. In Study 3, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted on a unique sample of 322 Korean athletes. The validity of the five-factor solution was confirmed. Fit indices suggested a good fit. Lastly, in Study 4, the concurrent and construct validity of the Sport Character Scale were examined. The SCS was related to the Multidimensional Sportspersonship Orientation Scale and two subscales of the Attitudes to Moral Decision-making in Youth Questionnaire providing support for concurrent validity. Construct validity was supported by significant relationships that emerged between the SCS and the Caring Climate Scale and the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire. The SCS appears to measure unique characteristics of sport character in Korean athletes. It is possible to educate coaches, parents, and athletes about the importance of compassion, sportspersonship, fairness, and integrity. Moreover, the findings of this study can be used to inform coaching and parent education programs to optimize the sport participation of youth. |
