ERIC Number: EJ1411051
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2164-0246
Moral Formation in a Culture of Relativism: Correlates of Universalism and Relativism in the Moral Outlooks of Emerging Adults
Steven Crawford Hayward
Journal of Catholic Education, v26 n2 Article 6 p108-129 2023
This study explores some of the demographic, personal, and experiential factors of emerging adults that correlate to a spectrum of moral outlooks ranging from moral universalism to moral relativism. Data was gathered from 466 volunteer undergraduate students. Respondents' demographic, experiential, and personal factors served as independent variables. The relativism index score form Forsyth's Ethics Position Questionnaire (1980) served as the dependent variable. Results suggest several conclusions: First, adults in the life of youth are a significant factor in moral outlook, exerting influence in both universalistic and relativistic directions. Second, religious practice and involvement contribute to a universal moral outlook. Third, the personal characteristics of grit and spiritual transcendence contribute to a universal moral outlook. Fourth, engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage contributes to a relative moral outlook. Fifth, a Catholic school education at both the grade and high school levels contributes to a universal moral outlook.
Descriptors: Catholic Schools, Elementary Secondary Education, Sexuality, Individual Characteristics, Resilience (Psychology), Undergraduate Students, Religious Education, Religious Factors, Student Attitudes, Moral Development, Moral Values
University of Notre Dame. 4110 Jenkins Nanovic Bldg, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Tel: 574-631-1861; e-mail: JCE@nd.edu; Web site: http://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/ce
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A