Development and Validation of a Measure of Overconformity to the Sport Ethic

Athletes who “push through the pain” and attempt to “win at all costs” are often rewarded within sport (e.g., captaincy, playing time) and typically receive positive reinforcement from coaches and peers. Overconforming to the sport ethic has been linked to engaging in unhealthy or risky behaviors such as doping, disordered eating, hazing, and training while injured. The Measure of Overconformity to the Sport Ethic was developed to assess athletes’ level of overconformity to key norms and the potential implications. Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses employed in a sample of 4,674 athletes across 28 National Collegiate Athletic Association institutions provide preliminary support for a four-factor solution that included “No Limits,” “Distinction,” “Risk,” and “Sacrifice” subscales. Measure of Overconformity to the Sport Ethic offers a promising tool that sport psychology practitioners can use to better understand individual athletes’ overconformity to the sport ethic and to inform meaningful recommendations for growth and development among athletes in their care.