Prosocial and antisocial behaviour in sport

Research examining prosocial and antisocial behaviour in sport has proliferated in the past ten years. Prosocial and antisocial behaviours are behaviours that can have positive or negative consequences for the recipient’s psychological or physical welfare. These acts are common in sport and can be directed toward teammates and opponents. As well as potentially affecting one’s welfare, these behaviours can have a range of other consequences for the recipient. In this article, we review studies that have investigated these behaviours. We start by presenting the theoretical and empirical foundations of this scale. Then, we discuss research on predictors of prosocial and antisocial sport behaviour. Next, we consider the concept of bracketed morality as applied to prosocial and antisocial behaviour. Finally, we review studies on the consequences of prosocial and antisocial behaviour for the recipient. We conclude with some critical considerations and directions for future research.