The Effect of Moral Perfectionism and Moral Identity on Desirable Social Behaviour and the Success of School Sports-Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of moral perfectionism and moral identity on desirable social behaviour and the success of school sports athletes in Iran. The research study used an applied and descriptive survey design. Statistical data was collected from male (n=536) and female (n=456) student-athletes in Iran. The measurement tools were standard questionnaires, whose validity was determined using diagnostic, convergent and divergent validity criteria. The reliability of moral perfectionism, moral identity, desirable social behaviour, and sports success questionnaires was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, reporting 0.74, 0.81, 0.85 and 0.71 respectively, showing good reliability. The findings of the research showed that moral perfectionism has a significant effect on desirable behaviour (β = 0.34; p < 0.001), it also impacts sports success (β = 0.45; p < 0.001), whereas moral identity influences desirable social behaviour (β = 0.77; p < 0.001), and sports success (β = 0.50; p < 0.001). Therefore, it can be concluded that achieving desirable social behavior and success in sports requires a combination of personal effort, a strong moral character, and a deep understanding of the principles of moral perfectionism and moral identity.