The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether weight-related attitudes mediate the effect of goal orientation on cultural pluralism and diversity attitudes among pre-service physical educators. Results from 235 (Mage = 20.91 years, SD = 7.75) participants confirm the positive relationship between task orientation and attitudes toward cultural pluralism and diversity attitudes (valuing, appreciating, and implementing), and that individuals who possess negative character stereotypes mediated this relationship. In addition, the positive relationship between ego orientation and being uncomfortable with diversity was confirmed, along with the mediation of negative character stereotypes within this relationship. The results provide initial evidence for factors associated with diversity attitudes that should be addressed in physical education teacher education programs. As research in this area moves forward, it is important to develop and test evidence-based educational interventions in order to improve diversity attitudes and ultimately teacher effectiveness.
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