Mutzelburg, Sari K (2024) Moral Identity and Prosocial Behaviour in Adolescent Boys: The Mediating Role of Identity Dimensions. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Identity research is yet to comprehensively explain the links between moral identity and moral actions, including prosocial behaviour. Whilst some work suggests strong connections between moral identity and prosocial behaviour, more research is needed to articulate these links, particularly during adolescence stages of identity formation. This study examined the links between moral identity and prosocial behaviour and investigated the potential mediating effect of identity dimensions to determine any impacts of age-related developmental processes acting on moral identity and prosocial behaviour. The correlates of separation individuation (functional and emotional independence from parents) were also investigated for associations with moral identity, identity dimensions and prosocial behaviour. Participants were adolescent males (aged 11-18) recruited from Toowoomba Grammar School. Data collection was via an online survey administered by teachers during school hours. Analysis included bivariate correlations and mediated linear (OLS) regression. Findings showed positive relationships between moral identity and prosocial behaviour and identity dimensions, respectively. A composite of primary identity dimensions was found to partially mediate the relationship between moral identity and prosocial behaviour. No significant associations between age and main variables were found. These findings add to theories of moral identity, add to our understanding of links between moral identity and moral actions, and may inform practical interventions within educational settings. Future research is also suggested by the convergence of these results with previous studies and demographic correlates.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Wellbeing (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Dr Fein , Erich C. |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Psychology) |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Jan 2026 01:55 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Jan 2026 01:55 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | adolescence, identity development, identity dimensions, moral identity, prosocial behaviour |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520304 Health psychology |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53107 |
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