| Title: |
Moral Identity Goal Characteristics: Age-Related Trends from Early Adolescence to Old Age |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Jean Paul Lefebvre (ORCID 0000-0001-5881-0493); Hailey Goddeeris; Zachariah I. Hamzagic; Tobias Krettenauer |
| Source: |
Developmental Psychology. 2024 60(1):28-44. |
| Availability: |
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
17 |
| Publication Date: |
2024 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
Foreign Countries; Adults; Moral Development; Self Concept; Trend Analysis; Late Adolescents; Early Adolescents; Age Differences |
| Geographic Terms: |
Canada |
| DOI: |
10.1037/dev0001615 |
| ISSN: |
0012-1649; 1939-0599 |
| Abstract: |
The study investigated age-related trends in moral identity goal characteristics, as proposed in previous research (Krettenauer, 2022a), by modifying the Self-Importance of Moral Identity Questionnaire (Aquino & Reed, 2002). Internally and externally motivated moral identity was assessed on varying levels of abstractness for promotion orientation as well as prevention orientation in Canadian participants from three different age groups: early adolescence (13-14 years, n = 248, 119 female), late adolescence to early adulthood (17-20 years, n = 251, 160 female), and mid to old age (50-76 years, n = 129, 76 female). Findings demonstrate that the self-importance of abstract moral identity characteristics increased with age relative to concrete identity characteristics, while the relationship between the two characteristics weakened. The same trend was found for internal moral identity motivation in comparison to external motivation. The study demonstrates that moral identity does not only reflect stable individual differences but is also an important developmental construct. Merging developmental and individual difference perspectives on moral identity opens new and promising avenues for future research. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2024 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1407947 |
| Database: |
ERIC |