The Moral Self: Applying Identity Theory

Autor/inn/en	Stets, Jan E.; Carter, Michael J.
Titel	The Moral Self: Applying Identity Theory
Quelle	In: Social Psychology Quarterly, 74 (2011) 2, S.192-215 (24 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0190-2725
DOI	10.1177/0190272511407621
Schlagwörter	Moral Values; Self Concept; Surveys; Prediction; Theories; Measures (Individuals); Statistical Analysis; Undergraduate Students; Psychology + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Moral value; Ethischer Wert; Selbstkonzept; Survey; Umfrage; Befragung; Vorhersage; Theory; Theorie; Messdaten; Statistische Analyse; Psychologie
Abstract	This research applies identity theory to understand the moral self. In identity theory, individuals act on the basis of their identity meanings, and they regulate the meanings of their behavior so that those meanings are consistent with their identity meanings. An inconsistency produces negative emotions and motivates individuals to behave differently to produce outcomes that will better match their identity meanings. A two-part survey and laboratory study were conducted to investigate the application of identity theory to the moral self. The findings are consistent with identity theory predictions. In the survey that addresses past experiences, we find that individuals' moral identity guides their behavior. When an identity discrepancy emerges between moral identity meanings and perceptions of themselves in a situation, negative feelings are experienced. These same effects are observed when these individuals are placed in an immediate moral dilemma in the laboratory. Overall, the results reveal how identity theory helps explain the individual as a moral entity. (Contains 1 figure, 6 tables, and 16 footnotes.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10