Transcendence and the Moral Self: Identity Integration, Religion, and Moral Life

Abstract

Although moral reasoning is able to account for some of the variability in moral behavior, much remains unexplained. Recently, a number of components of personality have been proposed as bridging the gap between moral reasoning and moral behavior. The present study investigates the role that identity integration (the extent to which one's moral values have become integrated into identity) and religious orientation (one's motivation for engaging in religious practice) play in moral functioning. A sample of 60 undergraduates was assessed on identity integration, religious orientation, moral reasoning, and self-reported altruism. We found positive correlations among moral reasoning, identity integration, intrinsic religious orientation, and self-reported altruism. A hierarchical regression analysis, however, revealed moral reasoning to be the only significant predictor of self-reported altruistic behavior. We discuss the relationship between moral reasoning and identity integration and the extent to which the intrinsic religious orientation scale may be a measure of identity integration in the religious domain.Although there is evidence to show some consistency between stage of moral reasoning and moral behavior (Blasi 1980;Jennings, Kilkenny, and Kohlberg 1983), the degree of consistency should not mask the fact that one can reason at a principled level and still remain immoral in behavior. Walker and Hennig (1997) refer to this as the "gappiness of moral life" and call for moral functioning to be viewed within the broader context of personality. A number of intermediaries have been proposed, including moral emotions (

The Empirical Ties between Religious Motivation and Altruism in Foster Parents: Implications for Faith-Based Initiatives in Foster Care and Adoption

“…Intrinsic religious motivation is seen as more of an end in itself, reflective of a faith that permeates life and is not instrumental. In contrast, extrinsic religiosity has been described as one that, "serves an instrumental purpose, providing comfort or social reward, and is compartmentalized in the life of an individual, used as a means toward other ends" ( [30], p. 430). 2 Research shows that extrinsic versus intrinsic religious motivations matter for attitudes and behavior.…”

Religiosity and prosocial behaviours in adolescence: the mediating role of prosocial values

“…Some studies have found religiosity to be positively associated with prosocial behaviour (e.g., Benson et al, 1987; Ellison, 1992;Smith, 1999;Youniss et al, 1999;Mattis et al, 2000;Smith & Faris, 2002;Furrow et al, 2004; King & Furrow, in press). However, others have found religiosity either to be unrelated to prosocial behaviour (e.g., Darley & Batson, 1973;Annis, 1976; Sundeen & Raskoff, 1995), or only related for some people in some situations (e.g., Batson & Gray, 1981;Batson et al, 1989; Bernt, 1989; Chau et al, 1990; Hansen et al, 1995; Wilson & Janoski, 1995;Wilson & Musick, 1997;Maclean et al, 2004). Thus, although there does seem to be a connection between religiosity and prosocial behaviour, it is likely complex, varying across individuals, situations and types of behaviour.…”

“…In these studies, prosocial behaviour has typically been assessed using the following types of measures: self-report measures of everyday prosocial behaviours, such as holding a door open for a stranger (e.g., Benson et al, 1987;Chau et al, 1990;Furrow et al, 2004;Maclean et al, 2004;King & Furrow, in press); self-report measures of volunteerism, involvement in relief efforts, or charitable behaviours such as donating money (e.g., Wilson & Janoski, 1995;Youniss et al, 1999;Mattis et al, 2000); and behavioural measures of prosocial behaviour, such as emergency bystander situations (e.g., Darley & Batson, 1973;Annis, 1976). Some studies have found religiosity to be positively associated with prosocial behaviour (e.g., Benson et al, 1987;Ellison, 1992;Smith, 1999;Youniss et al, 1999;Mattis et al, 2000;Smith & Faris, 2002;Furrow et al, 2004;King & Furrow, in press).…”

Ahlaki̇ Ki̇mli̇k Ölçeği̇ Türkçe Formunun Geçerli̇k Ve Güveni̇rli̇k Çalişmasi

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