Intramurals and College Student Development: The Role of Intramurals on Values Clarification

Abstract

Intramural programs on college campuses enforce standards of moral conduct, otherwise known as “good sportsmanship,” in their programs. Moral development education focuses on helping students reach higher levels of moral reasoning (Kohlberg, 1981). To achieve higher levels of moral reasoning requires one to first clarify her or his values. This research explores the relationship between participation in intramural programs and values clarification. Values clarification assumes if an individual is successful in clarifying her or his own values, then changes in behavior will result. When values are not clear, students' lives lack direction and decisions about how to spend their time and energy (Raths, Harmin, & Simon, 1966). According the theory of values clarification, individuals who are confused or unclear about their values will tend to behave in immature, over-conforming, or over-dissenting ways, while individuals who possess clarified values behave in calm, confident, and purposeful ways (Kinnier, 1995). Through the enforcement of good sportsmanship in an intramural program, opportunities are provided for individuals to clarify their values, thus contributing to the overall development of the student.