Taking the First Step Toward a Moral Action: A Review of Moral Sensitivity Measurement Across Domains

Abstract

Moral sensitivity is the first component of the 4-component moral action process (J. R. Rest, 1986). The author reviews moral sensitivity operationalization and measurement across multiple samples and domains. She reviews 3 definitions of the construct (i.e., recognition and affective response, recognition, and recognition and ascription of importance) and measurement instruments based on these definitions and assesses these instruments according to their methodological rigor. The author also briefly discusses the measurement of constructs related to moral sensitivity in children (i.e., empathy, role-taking, and prosocial moral reasoning). Last, the author presents the conclusions that can be drawn from current measurement methodology and her recommendations for future measurement development.

Keywords:

• ethical sensitivity
• ethics
• moral awareness
• moral cognition
• moral development