Comparisons of Moral Reasoning Levels between Battered and Non-Battered Women

Abstract

This study investigated the level of moral reasoning of battered and non-battered women. This article reports the findings from a comparison group of battered and non-battered women (N=92) on the Defining Issues Test. The study examined the relationships between a dependent variable—level of moral development—and two independent variables—history of domestic violence and relationship status (separated or joined). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed no significant differences between the moral development of battered and non-battered women. Implications for social work education are discussed and strategies for infusing content on domestic violence are provided.

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Notes on contributors

Noël Bridget Busch

Noël Bridget Busch is assistant professor, School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin.