Moral Perfectionism, Moral Judgment, Altruism and Forgiveness in Young Adults

Abstract

Aim of the study: Present research aimed to find out the relationship between moral perfectionism (self-oriented moral perfectionism & socially prescribed moral perfectionism), moral judgment, altruism and forgiveness in young adults. It was hypothesized that socially prescribed and self-oriented moral perfectionism would positively predict moral judgment, altruism and forgiveness. Mediating role of moral judgment between moral perfectionism, altruism and forgiveness was also hypothesized.

Methodology: Cross sectional research design was used in this research. Probability random sampling strategy was used to approach a sample of 200 (Men=100, Women=100) young adults with the age range of 20-25 years old (M=21.53, SD=1.31). To measure moral perfectionism, moral perfectionism scale, and adapted version of parental expectation scale of Frost multidimensional perfectionism scale were used. Further, moralization of everyday life scale, Forgiveness scale and adapted self-report altruism scale were used to measure moral judgment, forgiveness and altruism.

Findings: Structural equation modeling through AMOS indicated SOMP as a negative predictor of forgiveness and SPMP a positive predictor of altruism and forgiveness whereas no prediction was found for moral judgment. Further, Moral judgment didn’t predict altruism and forgiveness.

Conclusion: overall the study highlights the significance of both self-oriented and socially prescribed moral perfectionism in shaping moral behaviors. It suggests that personal and social standards together provide a deeper understanding of moral actions, particularly in terms of altruism and forgiveness. The implications of the study are discussed with its application in counseling, educational, social and moral psychology.