The relationship between moral reasoning styles and ethnic identity

Thesis (M.A., Psychology (Counseling Psychology)) -- California State University, Sacramento, 2010.The current study examined the possible moderating effects of ethnicity and ethnic identity on styles of moral reasoning. The participants were 312 university students (59 males and 253 females) ranging in age from 17 to 66 years, comprised of 67 Asian Americans, 25 African Americans, 139 European Americans, and 50 Hispanic Americans. The participants completed the Measure of Moral Orientation-2, Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure- Revised, and a demographic questionnaire. African Americans had significantly lower justice scores than both Asian Americans (p=.018) and Hispanic Americans (p =0.02). Hispanic Americans had significantly higher care scores than African Americans (p =.037). Also, ethnicity was significantly related to ethnic identity and its distribution (X2(3) = 14.79, p < .005). Lastly, females had a significantly higher care score than males (p=0.008). Study results are generally consistent with existing research revealing gender and ethnic differences in moral reasoning styles.Psychology (Counseling Psychology