Seeking a multi‐construct model of morality

Abstract

The present study explored a multi‐construct model of moral development. Variables commonly seen in the moral development literature, such as family interactions, spiritual life, ascription to various sources of moral authority, empathy, shame, guilt and moral judgement competence, were investigated. Results from the current study support previous research that the three moral emotions of empathy, shame and guilt interrelate. Further, it was found that the relationship one has with a higher power (spirituality) involves empathy and guilt. Implications for moral education are discussed. Future research should continue to explore a multi‐construct model of morality.

Notes

1. The sources of religious/church and governmental institutions were added for the current study and were not a part of White’s original scale. It was thought that these were salient sources of authority for moral development that needed to be represented.

2. For interpretation purposes, factor scores are similar to z‐scores in that they typically range from −2 to +2 and have a mean of zero.