Description

The Internalization of Moral Values Scale is a psychometric tool designed to assess the degree to which individuals have internalized moral values and principles. The internalization of moral values refers to the incorporation of these values into the core of one’s personal identity and behavior, making them guiding principles for actions and decisions.

Goal

The main goal of the Internalization of Moral Values Scale is to provide a reliable and valid means for assessing the internalization of moral values. This tool helps researchers and clinicians understand how the internalization of moral values impacts psychological well-being, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, it can be used to study the relationship between moral development and various psychological and social factors.

Analysis

The Internalization of Moral Values Scale consists of a series of statements that assess various aspects of the internalization of moral values. The main dimensions typically examined include:
Moral Conscience:
Assesses the extent to which an individual follows moral principles and guidelines.
Example statements:
“I always try to do what is right, regardless of the consequences.”
“My conscience guides me to do what is morally right.”
Inner Agreement:
Assesses whether an individual’s moral values align with their internal beliefs and convictions.
Example statements:
“My moral values reflect my personal beliefs.”
“I feel that the moral principles I follow fully align with my personal views.”
Moral Self-Regulation:
Assesses an individual’s ability to regulate their behavior according to their moral values.
Example statements:
“My behavior is guided by my moral values.”
“I recognize when my actions do not align with my moral principles and try to correct them.”

Scoring

Scoring of the Internalization of Moral Values Scale is done using Likert scales, where participants rate each statement on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Responses are collected and analyzed to produce total scores for each dimension of moral value internalization. Higher scores indicate greater internalization and alignment with moral values.

References

Kohlberg, L. (1981). Essays on Moral Development, Vol. I: The Philosophy of Moral Development. Harper & Row.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
Gibbs, J. C. (2010). Moral Development and Reality: Beyond the Theories of Kohlberg and Hoffman. Allyn & Bacon.
Nucci, L. P., & Narvaez, D. (2008). Handbook of Moral and Character Education. Routledge.