The Development of a Moral Compass: Exploring Age and Gender Differences in Moral Foundations In Early and Mid-Adolescence

IF 3.2 2区 心理学 Q2 PSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENTAL
Marie-Céline Gouwy, Dries H. Bostyn, Barbara De Clercq, Arne Roets
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Abstract

Introduction

The Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) identifies innate moral foundations that drive moral judgment, and are assumed to mature at different phases throughout development. However, core developmental aspects of moral foundations, such as normative age and gender differences from an MFT perspective, remain relatively unexplored, particularly in pre-adulthood. Therefore, the present study investigates age and gender differences in moral foundations during adolescence, a sensitive phase for moral identity development.

Methods

Cross-sectional data was collected from 2022 to 2024 in a wide variety of elementary and secondary schools in Flanders, Belgium. A total of 778 adolescents (Mage = 13.14, SDage = 1.76, age range = 10–17 years, 55.4% boys, 44.6% girls) completed 30 moral foundation vignettes.

Results

Regression analysis revealed normative decreases in all moral foundations with age, with significant curvilinear trends observed for Fairness, Authority, and Sanctity among boys and girls. Gender differences emerged, with girls placing greater emphasis on Care and Liberty, and interaction effects also suggest distinct developmental trajectories of Care, Liberty, and Loyalty across genders.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that age-related and gender-specific changes in moral foundations already emerge during adolescence.

道德指南针的发展:探索青少年早期和中期道德基础的年龄和性别差异。
​然而,道德基础的核心发展方面,例如从MFT角度来看的规范年龄和性别差异,仍然相对未被探索,特别是在成年前。因此,本研究探讨了青春期道德基础的年龄和性别差异,这是道德认同发展的敏感阶段。方法:从2022年到2024年,在比利时法兰德斯的各种小学和中学收集横断面数据。共有778名青少年完成了30个道德基础小插图(年龄= 13.14,年龄= 1.76,年龄范围= 10-17岁,男生占55.4%,女生占44.6%)。结果:回归分析显示,随着年龄的增长,所有道德基础的规范性都在下降,在男孩和女孩中,公平、权威和圣洁都有显著的曲线趋势。性别差异出现了,女孩更强调关心和自由,互动效应也表明了不同性别的关心、自由和忠诚的不同发展轨迹。结论:这些发现表明,与年龄相关和性别相关的道德基础变化已经在青春期出现。
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来源期刊
Journal of Adolescence
Journal of Adolescence PSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENTAL-
CiteScore
6.40
自引率
2.60%
发文量
123
期刊介绍: The Journal of Adolescence is an international, broad based, cross-disciplinary journal that addresses issues of professional and academic importance concerning development between puberty and the attainment of adult status within society. It provides a forum for all who are concerned with the nature of adolescence, whether involved in teaching, research, guidance, counseling, treatment, or other services. The aim of the journal is to encourage research and foster good practice through publishing both empirical and clinical studies as well as integrative reviews and theoretical advances.
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