The development of moral judgement in Maltese youth

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the development of moral judgement among a Maltese group of young people using a cognitive developmental approach. The literature review indicates that although progression through the stages of moral development tends to be determined by chronological age, factors such as parenting style, family size, socioeconomic status, peer interaction and role-taking opportunities have also been found to be influential. This research attempts to investigate whether the existing cognitive developmental theories could also be applied to a Maltese population of young people living in a country where Catholicism permeates every social aspect of their life. A qualitative approach was adopted. Using Kohlberg's methodology as a conduit, moral dilemmas were devised and eight focus groups were set up and grouped by their chronological age, ranging between 9 and 25. Content analysis of the groups' discussions identified such themes as: Parental influence, inconsistency, fear of consequences and adolescent rebelliousness. This research also highlighted the importance of directed youth group discussions based on moral issues as a means of generating cognitive conflict and promoting moral growth. The study ends with a summary of the main findings and recommendations for future research.