Which approach is most likely to be embraced by athletic trainers (ATs) who prioritize universal professional duties?

The approach of formalism is particularly aligned with athletic trainers who prioritize universal professional duties due to its emphasis on adherence to established ethical principles and rules. Formalism holds that there are universal moral laws and duties that should guide behavior, regardless of the consequences. This perspective resonates with the professional standards and ethics that athletic trainers must uphold in their practice, such as prioritizing the health, safety, and welfare of athletes.

Athletic trainers operate within a framework of professional ethics that demands consistency, accountability, and a commitment to doing what is considered morally right, based on these universal principles. By adhering to formalist principles, ATs can ensure that their decisions and actions reflect a commitment to the overall integrity of the profession and serve the best interests of all athletes uniformly.

In contrast, other approaches like utilitarianism, ethical egoism, and relativism focus on varying factors such as consequences, self-interest, or cultural contexts, which may not align consistently with the universal duties those in the athletic training profession are expected to uphold.