Toward an understanding of transgressive behavior in sport: progress and prospects

In this article, research investigating athletes' transgressive behavior in the last ten years is reviewed. The focus is on behaviors that have adverse interpersonal consequences or violate the ideal of fair play, such as aggression, cheating, doping, and antisocial behavior toward opponents and teammates. First, anticipated guilt and moral disengagement are discussed as proximal predictors of these behaviors. Second, person variables that facilitate or inhibit transgressive behaviors are considered, followed by a review of motivational and moral features of the social environment within which these behaviors take place. The article ends with critical considerations of some key issues and directions for future research.