The Concept of Morality in National Athletes: A Phenomenological Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out young elite athletes’ views on the concept of moral because of being a role model in society with their values and moral structures. In this study qualitative method was used and as a research design, psychological phenomenology approach, which is one of the phenomenological patterns, was preferred. The sample group of the study consists of 11 young national team athletes who were determined with maximum variation sampling method, which is one of the purposive sampling methods. With these athletes, individual interviews for each participant which lasted for an average of 45 minutes within the context of semi structured interview technique were conducted. In accordance with the permission taken from the participants, their answers were recorded and then textualized. Descriptive and content analysis method were used to analyse the data. According to athletes who assess moral in terms of behaviour and protection, sports can contribute to individuals’ moral development. While athletes have individual values, and values related with the team and opponent, events which sometimes motivate athletes positively and which sometimes influence them negatively occur in sport environment. In addition, according to athletes, first of all the family, then coaches and environment have responsibilities in the moral development of an athlete.