THE ROLE OF IDENTITY AND PARENTING IN THE MORAL
DEVELOPMENT OF ADOLESCENTS
Yolanda Bell
51333783
HMPYC81: Project 4805
UNISA
15/10/2013
Abstract: Previous research suggests that moral development and identity
development may be related constructs. This study investigates whether a relationship
exists between moral reasoning and identity development in South African
adolescents. It was hypothesised that a higher score on a moral reasoning measure
would co-occur with a higher level of identity development. Quantitative and
qualitative data was obtained from 1721 adolescent volunteers. Moral reasoning was
measured by administering the Reasons for Action Questionnaire, a measure based
on Kohlberg’s moral reasoning model, to each participant. Identity development was
measured by administering an identity development questionnaire, originally a
subscale of a larger questionnaire based on Erikson’s theory of personality
development. The Results show that no significant relationship exists between moral
reasoning and identity development during adolescence.
DEVELOPMENT OF ADOLESCENTS
Yolanda Bell
51333783
HMPYC81: Project 4805
UNISA
15/10/2013
Abstract: Previous research suggests that moral development and identity
development may be related constructs. This study investigates whether a relationship
exists between moral reasoning and identity development in South African
adolescents. It was hypothesised that a higher score on a moral reasoning measure
would co-occur with a higher level of identity development. Quantitative and
qualitative data was obtained from 1721 adolescent volunteers. Moral reasoning was
measured by administering the Reasons for Action Questionnaire, a measure based
on Kohlberg’s moral reasoning model, to each participant. Identity development was
measured by administering an identity development questionnaire, originally a
subscale of a larger questionnaire based on Erikson’s theory of personality
development. The Results show that no significant relationship exists between moral
reasoning and identity development during adolescence.
