What is moral identity, and why is it important to identify its origins?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A child's moral identity consists of moral values—such as kindness, fairness, and generosity—that are central to a child's self-concept and to subsequent behaviors.
Researchers have begun to identify the origins of moral identity in hopes of capitalizing on it to promote moral commitment. For example, child-rearing practices—inductive discipline and clearly conveyed moral expectations—augment adolescents' moral identity. Strengthening moral self-perceptions at an early age may be a powerful way to increase the chances that moral cognitions are realized in behavior. In longitudinal research, firm conscience development (as measured by internalization of parents' rules) and empathic concern to mother's distress (a hurt finger) during the preschool years predicted strong moral self-perceptions at age 5, which—in turn—positively predicted children's competent, prosocial, rule-abiding behavior at age 6½. Parenting strategies that launch conscience development and empathy on an early, favorable path may contribute vitally, in the long term, to moral identity and action.