Exploring the Relationship Between Moral Reasoning and Cognitive Development Among Secondary School Students

Student misbehavior is one of the most common problems affecting schools around the world. The main objectives of this study were to identify common and unacceptable misbehaviors of secondary school students and the reasons behind student misbehaviors from Sri Lankan teachers’ point of view. A qualitative research study was conducted with twelve Sri Lankan secondary school teachers. The findings of the research study revealed that current secondary school students do not respect teachers, show more self-centered behaviors and engage in more problematic behaviors in school which are harmful for themselves as well as for the others, compared to the students that the teachers have taught and been with 10-15 years ago. A list of 17 student classroom misbehaviors and a list of 07 school based student misbehaviors were generated. The highly reported student classroom misbehaviors were disrespecting teachers, engaging in irrelevant tasks during lessons and verbal aggression. The highly reported school based misbehaviors were disrespecting school authority figures, unnecessary involvement with dangerous drugs and developing and supporting inappropriate and harmful relationships. The participants’ responses on the reasons behind student misbehavior were simplified into five main sources: family, education system, teachers, students and society. The findings of the study will be useful to improve the Sri Lankan education system to create well behaving individuals to the society, as so far there has not been sufficient studies addressing this issue. The research study reveals that there is a great need for making some changes in the current education system to change the stressful atmosphere in schools and successfully promote students’ physical, cognitive, personal, social, emotional, moral and spiritual development to reduce and prevent negative behavioral issues of students. Keywords: student misbehavior, secondary school teachers, secondary school students, Sri Lanka DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-17-12 Publication date: June 30th 2020

The current study's objective is to investigate the impact of demographic factors on secondary school students' emotional and behavioral issues. To investigate the hypothesis of this study, the current study used a cross-sectional and correlational research design. 600 high school students aged 13 to 18 were used to gather the data. The government and private secondary high schools in the Peshawar KPK district provided the information. The Problem with School Children Scale (PWSCS) was administered in Urdu to gather data. The data were analyzed using multiple regressions and an independent t-test. The findings indicated that demographic factors like socioeconomic status and family structure are significantly positively correlated with emotional problems among secondary high school students, while gender, physical health, and type of school are significantly negatively correlated with emotional problems. The study also found that gender, sickness, and type of school were significantly negative predictors of behavioral problems among secondary high school students, while socioeconomic position and family structure were positively related to behavioral problems. The study also showed that pupils at private schools experience a higher level of emotional and behavioral issues than students in public schools. Keywords: Demographic Factors, Emotional Problems, Behavioral Problems, School Students.

Several studies confirmed that morality is developmental process and it increases gradually. Many intrinsic and extrinsic aspects affect moral development (Siddique & Lodhi, 2014). Hart and Carlo (2005) stated that different environmental elements and aspects have deep impact on moral development of children. The atmosphere of home develops moral level of the students enormously. The main objective of the study was to assess the effect of demographics on moral development of secondary school students. Gender, locality, parents’ education and economic status of parents are the selected demographics for this particular study. Moral development was estimated through moral development interview inventory. The study encompasses the four district of the Punjab province. The sample was consisting of 1000 secondary school students. Random sampling technique was brought out to conduct the study and quantitative approach was used to complete the study. Moral development interview inventory (MDII) was applied to calculate the moral development level of secondary school students. SPSS version 20 was applied to find the result. Descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA were used for data analysis. Significant effect was found on moral development of secondary school student according to demographics of gender, locality, and mothers’ qualification whereas fathers’ qualification and economic status keeps insignificant effect on moral development of secondary school students.

In the silent corridors of childhood, where maternal presence is expected to provide warmth, guidance, and emotional grounding, the absence of a mother casts a long and often painful shadow. The Shadow of Absence: Ethical Considerations of Growing Up Without a Mother explores the ethical, psychological, and social ramifications of maternal absence. Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, presents a thought-provoking analysis of how individuals raised without a mother navigate their personal development, ethical foundations, and emotional resilience. This book unearths the philosophical questions surrounding maternal absence—does morality develop differently in children without a maternal figure? How does society perceive and accommodate those who grow up without a mother? What ethical responsibilities does the community have in addressing the void left by maternal absence? With a deeply humanized and analytical approach, this work does not merely diagnose the struggles of those affected but also seeks pathways for ethical and social reintegration. The discussion extends beyond individual psychology, delving into cultural perspectives, moral philosophy, and policy considerations. Published in New York, USA, in 2023 by The United Nations and The Education Training Centre, this book is an essential read for scholars, ethicists, psychologists, and anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the intersection between ethics and personal identity formation in the absence of maternal influence. The impetus for this book arises from the growing need to understand the ethical implications of growing up without a mother. Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, examines the moral, psychological, and philosophical ramifications of maternal absence in a rapidly evolving world where traditional family structures continue to shift. The book, published in New York, USA, in 2023, seeks to address how individuals construct their identities and ethical foundations in the absence of a maternal figure. Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, defines maternal absence beyond physical separation, including emotional detachment and societal neglect. Core concepts include the role of maternal ethics, identity construction, and the moral development of children raised without maternal influence. The book examines theories in developmental psychology, ethics, and cultural philosophy to create a comprehensive framework for understanding this phenomenon. The increasing prevalence of non-traditional family structures has led to a deeper inquiry into the ethical consequences of growing up without a mother. Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, highlights empirical studies and case analyses demonstrating the impact of maternal absence on cognitive, emotional, and moral development. The book also explores the long-term societal effects, including shifts in ethical perspectives and social policy. This book follows an interdisciplinary approach, combining psychological analysis, ethical philosophy, and sociological perspectives. Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, employs comparative studies to assess differences in moral reasoning and social adaptation between those with and without maternal influence. The book also integrates cross-cultural comparisons to determine how maternal absence is understood and mitigated in various societies. Key indicators include the psychological effects of maternal absence, shifts in moral behavior, and variations in ethical reasoning. Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, examines case studies, statistical analyses, and philosophical arguments to explore the extent to which maternal absence influences ethical decision-making and emotional well-being. This book identifies variables such as parental roles, emotional security, ethical decision-making, and social adaptation. Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, discusses how these factors interact and shape individual identities in the absence of maternal guidance. Cultural norms, economic conditions, societal support structures, and personal resilience serve as key determinants in how individuals cope with maternal absence. Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, investigates the role of extended family, educational institutions, and community resources in shaping moral and ethical development. Through an ethical and philosophical lens, Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, proposes strategies to mitigate the challenges of growing up without a mother. These include fostering inclusive social policies, developing mentorship programs, and creating community support systems to bridge the emotional and moral gaps left by maternal absence. While there are supportive interventions, numerous barriers remain, including societal stigma, economic hardship, and limited access to emotional support. Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, discusses how ethical frameworks can guide policy-making to reduce these obstacles. The book concludes by emphasizing the necessity of ethical and social considerations in addressing maternal absence. Prof. Dr. Yoesoep Edhie Rachmad, Ph.D., DBA, argues that while the absence of a mother presents unique challenges, society has an ethical obligation to create frameworks that support those affected, fostering resilience and moral development.

Contents: Preface. J.R. Rest, Background: Theory and Research. S.P. McNeel, College Teaching and Student Moral Development. L.J. Duckett, M.B. Ryden, Education for Ethical Nursing Practice. F-Y. Chang, School Teachers' Moral Reasoning. N.A. Sprinthall, Counseling and Social Role Taking: Promoting Moral and Ego Development. L.A. Ponemon, D.R.L. Gabhart, Ethical Reasoning Research in the Accounting and Auditing Professions. M.J. Bebeau, Influencing the Moral Dimensions of Dental Practice. D.J. Self, D.C. Baldwin, Jr., Moral Reasoning in Medicine. D.J. Self, M. Olivarez, D.C. Baldwin, Jr., Moral Reasoning in Veterinary Medicine. B.J.L. Bredemeier, D.L.L. Shields, Applied Ethics and Moral Reasoning in Sport. T. Westbrook, Tracking the Moral Development of Journalists: A Look at Them and Their Work. S. Thoma, Moral Judgments and Moral Action. J.R. Rest, D. Narvaez, Summary: What's Possible?

Incidence of NSSI rises during adolescence and peaks in young adulthood. Secondary school and university students, representing these age groups, have been the focus of research on how emotion regulation strategies impact NSSI. However, a comprehensive study of the interrelations among different symptoms is needed. Research based on network analysis, a questionnaire survey on emotion regulation strategies and NSSI was conducted with 378 secondary school students and 593 first-year university students, all of whom reported a history of engagement in NSSI. The results indicated that Cognitive reappraisal symptoms showed a positive or no correlation with NSSI, while expressive suppression symptoms demonstrated a negative or no correlation. Secondary school and university students using cognitive reappraisal or expressive suppression also tended to use the other type of emotion regulation strategy simultaneously. In secondary school NSSI groups, core symptoms were linked to cognitive reappraisal, while in university groups, they were linked to expressive suppression. Intervention targets for NSSI in secondary school students included “I keep my emotions to myself”, and for university students, “I control my emotions by not expressing them.” Research reveals a complex mechanism underlying the link between NSSI and emotion regulation strategies in university and secondary school students, offering valuable insights for promoting the psychological health of adolescents and youths.

This study examined the effect of integrating Civic Education with Islamic moral principles on students’ moral behaviour, civic responsibility, discipline, and social harmony among secondary school students in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a descriptive survey design to collect data from 384 respondents, including Civic Education and Islamic Studies teachers. A structured questionnaire titled Integration of Civic and Islamic Moral Education Questionnaire (ICIMEQ) was developed and validated by experts, with a reliability coefficient of 0.88 obtained using Cronbach Alpha. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), and independent t-test at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a strong and significant positive relationship between the integration of Civic and Islamic moral principles and students’ moral behaviour, civic responsibility, discipline, and social harmony (r = .612, p < .05). Results also showed that teachers generally perceived the integration as relevant and practical, although Civic Education teachers recorded slightly higher mean scores than Islamic Studies teachers (t = 3.28, p = .001). This implies that blending Civic Education content with Islamic moral teachings effectively promotes ethical conduct, social harmony, and responsible citizenship among students. The study’s findings align with Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory, which emphasize learning through moral reasoning, observation, and value internalization. The study concluded that integrating Civic Education with Islamic moral principles offers a holistic framework for character formation and nation-building. It was recommended that curriculum planners, policymakers, and teachers adopt this integrated approach to strengthen moral education, promote discipline, and enhance civic values among Nigerian students.

To develop and validate a psychometric measure of cognitive moral development in professional ethics in pharmacy. Pharmacy practice in Australia. A psychometric instrument, the Professional Ethics in Pharmacy (PEP) test, was developed and validated following a systematic procedure. The theoretical foundation of the instrument was based on a hypothesised theory of cognitive moral development in professional ethics, which was integrated into a selection of scenarios experienced in practice by pharmacists in NSW, Australia. The PEP, along with the well established DIT test, was mailed in the form of a questionnaire to a randomly selected sample of 1,500 practising pharmacists. Data collected from returned questionnaires were statistically analysed to establish validity and reliability of the instrument. The P-score calculated for each participant from DIT and PEP data and defined as a measure of principled moral reasoning, represented the main outcome measure for statistical testing. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the strength of the relationship of the PEP with the DIT (regarded as the "gold standard") in order to establish criterion and concurrent validity. Factor analysis was used to investigate construct validity. Cronbach's Alpha, a measure of reliability of the instrument, was used for indicating internal consistency. Linear regression models further investigated construct validity in relation to predictors of moral reasoning. Face and content validity were established by pilot and peer review. Pearson's coefficient of 0.53 indicated an acceptable level of concurrent validity. Factor analysis yielded factors closely related to the theoretical stages of cognitive moral development hypothesised, which indicated construct validity. Cronbach's alpha of 0.75 demonstrated the reliability of the instrument, and linear regression models provided further evidence of construct validity. The PEP was established as a robust instrument on several dimensions of validity and reliability. The validated PEP test has the potential to provide the pharmacy profession with valuable information for use education and research. The validation process also provided evidence supporting the hypothesis that moral reasoning in professional ethics in pharmacy is a developmental process, which has profound implications for furthering the understanding of professional behaviour.

Introduction: Academic achievement is one of the most important variables in determining educational outcomes and success outside of school. This study is about the relationship between self-awareness as part of socio-emotional learning and its implications on students’ academic achievement among O-level students in secondary schools in Kyabugimbi Sub County. Objectives: The study sought to examine the relationship between self-awareness and students’ academic achievement among O-level students in secondary schools in Kyabugimbi Sub County. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used where data was collected at a single point in time. The study population comprised of 2,682 students in S1-S3 in six secondary schools in Kyabugimbi Sub County. The sample size comprised of 235 students. Data was collected using a self-administered close-ended questionnaire and analyzed by generating inferential statistics. Findings: The study findings show a strong positive significant relationship (r=0.681**; p<0.05) between self-awareness and students’ academic achievement among O-level students in secondary schools. Conclusions and recommendations: The study concludes that self-awareness is one of the critical aspects for socio-emotional learning that play a significant role towards the students’ academic achievement. The study recommends policymakers to prioritize self-awareness programs in schools, integrating self-awareness activities into the school curriculum, training teachers to help students develop self-awareness and educating parents on fostering the importance of self-awareness needs of their children at home

Calls for the expansion of ethics education in the business and accounting curricula have resulted in a variety of interventions including additional material on ethical cases, the code of conduct, and the development of new courses devoted to ethical development [Lampe, J.: 1996]. The issue of whether ethics should be taught has been addressed by many authors [see for example: Hanson, K. O.: 1987; Huss, H. F. and D. M. Patterson: 1993; Jones, T. M.: 1988–1989; Kerr, D. S. and L. M. Smith: 1995; Loeb, S. E.: 1988; McDonald, G. M. and G. D. Donleavy: 1995]. The question addressed in this paper is not whether ethics should be taught but whether accounting students can reason more ethically after an intervention based on a discrete and dedicated course on accounting ethics. The findings in this paper indicate that a discrete intervention emphasising dilemma discussion has a positive and significant effect on students’ moral reasoning and development. The data collected from interviews suggest that the salient influences on moral judgement development include: learning theories of ethics particularly Kohlberg’s theory of cognitive moral reasoning and development; peer learning; and moral discourse. The implications from the findings in this study suggest that moral reasoning is responsive to particular types of ethics intervention and educators should carefully plan their attempts to foster moral judgement development.

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the Rudd Stoll Beller Hahm Value-judgement Inventory (RSBHVI) in a sample of adolescents. The RSBHVI, which measures moral and social reasoning, was translated using a back translation method. A sample of 238 10th to 12th grade high school students (age mean value 16.93 years, s = 1.34) completed the Portuguese versions of RSBH, and the Task and Ego-orientation Questionnaire. Partial support for the original structure of the moral reasoning scale, but not the social reasoning scale, was found. Females, and non-athletes and individual sport athletes scored significantly higher than males and team sport athletes in moral reasoning, respectively. Moral reasoning was negatively correlated with ego-orientation (r = −30; p <. 001) and uncorrelated with task-orientation (r = .10, p > .05). Participants who were low-ego scored higher in moral reasoning than those who were high-ego. It is suggested that decreasing levels of ego-orientation may be necessary to improve athletes’ moral reasoning.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to shed light on and introduce the ethics of earnings management (EM) to researchers and students in the academic community in light of Kohlberg’s theory. Design/methodology/approach The paper contextualises and analyses the relevant literature to provide insights around the key concepts of the issue of ethics of EM. Therefore, theoretical approach has been adopted by reviewing the literature using a descriptive method. The study suggests relevance of the theory of moral development and reasoning by Kohlberg (1969) as an approach in the process of exploring the background and the reasons behind ethics of managers regarding EM. This theory helps to explain how individuals demonstrate and justify a sense of right or wrong. Thus, the paper is a literature review concluded with a proposed conceptual framework. Findings The paper provides conceptual insights about the ethics of EM, and it proposes a link between manager’s ethics regarding the phenomenon of EM and the framework of moral reasoning theory by Kohlberg (1969). Originality/value The importance and implications of Kohlberg’s theory, in terms of EM, resides within the fact that the theory is concerned with questions about how one ought to act – being as it acknowledges the well-known ethical theories. The work of Kohlberg can be classified as a descriptive analysis to the extent that it attempts to describe individuals’ moral development. This integration of normative and descriptive ethics, in turn, enables the theory to be used to explore managers’ moral reasoning in a more helpful way.

The current study compared American, Korean, and Indonesian middle and high school students’ CS attitudes. Concurrently, this study also examined whether the items in the CS attitudes scale exhibit country and gender measurement biases. We gathered data on CS attitudes from middle and high school students in the US, Korea, and Indonesia. The participating students took the same (translated) previously validated CS attitudes scale. We ran a unidimensional IRT, differential item functioning (DIF), a two-way ANOVA, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Despite the valid instrument, we found it inappropriate as is for international comparison studies because students from different countries interpreted some items differently. We then compared gender-based differences in CS attitudes across countries. The results revealed no significant differences between males and females in the Indonesian middle school data, whereas male students had significantly higher CS attitudes than female students in both American and Korean student data. Furthermore, we found the same pattern in gender differences in Korean and Indonesian high school students’ CS attitudes scores as in the middle school study. These findings underscore the importance of a country’s sociocultural context in influencing gap and diversity in secondary school students’ CS attitudes.

Secondary school students are still within the age bracket of rapid physical, social and psychological changes. These changes pose a number of challenges which result to cases of maladaptive behaviour as evidenced by strikes, riots, boycotts, indulgence in premarital sexual activities, truancy, drug and substance abuse, disinterest in school and poor academic performance. Diverse behaviour modification strategies have been employed to mitigate against these negative tendencies but these maladaptive behaviours are still rampant among secondary school students. The current study sought to investigate the influence of guidance and counselling programmes in improving secondary students school connectedness in Nyamira Count,y Kenya. The study objective was to investigate the influence of guidance and counselling programmes on secondary students school connectedness. The study was guided by two theories namely: Ludwig Bertalanffy’s Systems Theory and Erik Erickson’s psychosocial development Theory. The study utilized descriptive survey design as well as ex-post facto design. The sample size of the study were 52 head teachers, 52 deputy head teachers, 52 guidance and counselling teachers and 311 students drawn from a population of 7740 form three students, 174 head teachers, 174 deputy head teachers and 174 guidance and counselling teachers. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select public secondary schools, head teachers, deputy head teachers, guidance and counselling teachers and form three students. Stratified sampling procedure was used to group the target population into four strata based on school type and gender. Proportionate sampling procedure was used to select equal representation of respondents from each stratum of public secondary school. Random sampling procedure was used to obtain the final sample from each of the stratum. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. Prior to data collection, a pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the research instruments and using Cronbach reliability test, reliability coefficient of = 0.727 was reported. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. The data analysis was done with the aid of computer software- statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The study found that there is a strong positive relationship (r = .622) between guidance and counselling programme and students school connectedness which was statistically significant ( <.005). The study recommends that all teachers in the school need to understand in depth the concept of guidance and counselling in the school setting and how it can be used to improve students school connectedness. The education ministry should organize regular seminars based on personal, social and moral practices for the schools. This will ensure that the policy on professional ethics is adhered to for improved performance. The government through the Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission should employ more teacher counselors in secondary schools to effectively tackle social and academic challenges facing the students. Keywords: Guidance and counselling, public secondary schools, students school connectedness, Nyamira County. DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-22-06 Publication date : August 31 st 2019

Secondary school students are still within the age bracket of rapid physical, social and psychological changes. These changes pose a number of challenges which result to cases of maladaptive behaviour as evidenced by strikes, riots, boycotts, indulgence in premarital sexual activities, truancy, drug and substance abuse, disinterest in school and poor academic performance. Diverse behaviour modification strategies have been employed to mitigate against these negative tendencies but these maladaptive behaviours are still rampant among secondary school students. The current study sought to investigate the influence of guidance and counselling programmes in improving secondary students school connectedness in Nyamira Count,y Kenya. The study objective was to investigate the influence of guidance and counselling programmes on secondary students school connectedness. The study was guided by two theories namely: Ludwig Bertalanffy’s Systems Theory and Erik Erickson’s psychosocial development Theory. The study utilized descriptive survey design as well as ex-post facto design. The sample size of the study were 52 head teachers, 52 deputy head teachers, 52 guidance and counselling teachers and 311 students drawn from a population of 7740 form three students, 174 head teachers, 174 deputy head teachers and 174 guidance and counselling teachers. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select public secondary schools, head teachers, deputy head teachers, guidance and counselling teachers and form three students. Stratified sampling procedure was used to group the target population into four strata based on school type and gender. Proportionate sampling procedure was used to select equal representation of respondents from each stratum of public secondary school. Random sampling procedure was used to obtain the final sample from each of the stratum. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. Prior to data collection, a pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the research instruments and using Cronbach reliability test, reliability coefficient of ∝ = 0.727 was reported. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. The data analysis was done with the aid of computer software- statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The study found that there is a strong positive relationship (r = .622) between guidance and counselling programme and students school connectedness which was statistically significant (ρ&lt;.005). The study recommends that all teachers in the school need to understand in depth the concept of guidance and counselling in the school setting and how it can be used to improve students school connectedness. The education ministry should organize regular seminars based on personal, social and moral practices for the schools. This will ensure that the policy on professional ethics is adhered to for improved performance. The government through the Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission should employ more teacher counselors in secondary schools to effectively tackle social and academic challenges facing the students.