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Personality and Social Psychology... 2019We review empirical research on (social) psychology of morality to identify which issues and relations are well documented by existing data and which areas of inquiry... (Review)
Review
We review empirical research on (social) psychology of morality to identify which issues and relations are well documented by existing data and which areas of inquiry are in need of further empirical evidence. An electronic literature search yielded a total of 1,278 relevant research articles published from 1940 through 2017. These were subjected to expert content analysis and standardized bibliometric analysis to classify research questions and relate these to (trends in) empirical approaches that characterize research on morality. We categorize the research questions addressed in this literature into five different themes and consider how empirical approaches within each of these themes have addressed psychological antecedents and implications of moral behavior. We conclude that some key features of theoretical questions relating to human morality are not systematically captured in empirical research and are in need of further investigation.
Topics: Bibliometrics; Emotions; Humans; Morals; Psychology, Social; Research; Self Concept
PubMed: 30658545
DOI: 10.1177/1088868318811759 -
Nursing Ethics Jun 2022Empathy and moral courage are important virtues in nursing and nursing ethics. Hence, it is of great importance that nursing students and nurses develop their ability...
Empathy and moral courage are important virtues in nursing and nursing ethics. Hence, it is of great importance that nursing students and nurses develop their ability to empathize and their willingness to demonstrate moral courage. The aim of this article is to explore third-year undergraduate nursing students' perceptions and experiences in developing empathy and moral courage. This study employed a longitudinal qualitative design based on individual interviews. Seven undergraduate nursing students were interviewed during or immediately following their final clinical placement. The Norwegian Social Science Data Services (NSD) approved the study. Participants were informed that their participation was voluntary and were assured confidentiality. They were informed that they could withdraw from the study at any time, without providing reasons. Affective empathy seemed to be strong among third-year undergraduate nursing students. However, they tried to handle the situations in a 'professional' way, and to balance their emotions. At the same time, they expressed how difficult it can be to show moral courage when confronted with poor patient care. In addition, they spoke about a lack of role models during clinical practice and supervision. Undergraduate nursing students are in a vulnerable position throughout their journey to become professional and to develop empathy and moral courage. The professional socialisation and forming of professional empathy and moral courage among nursing students, may be seen as a complex interaction of formal and hidden curriculum, where role models play an important role. We argue that the main theme 'Vulnerable students - a journey towards professional empathy and moral courage' may cover the longitudinal project as a whole. This vulnerability is something both teachers and supervisors should be aware of when following up with students in their clinical placements.
Topics: Courage; Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; Empathy; Ethics, Nursing; Humans; Morals; Qualitative Research; Students, Nursing
PubMed: 35225056
DOI: 10.1177/09697330221074013 -
Annual Review of Psychology Jan 2024There is always room for moral improvement. However, very few prior reviews have focused on the phenomenon of moral improvement of self, social relations, or society. We... (Review)
Review
There is always room for moral improvement. However, very few prior reviews have focused on the phenomenon of moral improvement of self, social relations, or society. We first consider prevailing notions of the self-concept by highlighting the niche of theory and research that identifies an improving self as a possible identity and basis of motivation to act better and to be better. Second, we discuss moral improvement in the context of social relations, especially the close interpersonal relations that should most facilitate moral improvement. Third, we examine the moral improvement of society, focusing on the factors that facilitate or inhibit caring about potential immorality despite the fact that issues such as inequality, discrimination, and the climate crisis seem to be morally distant and impersonal. Finally, we discuss future directions for theory, research, and application.
Topics: Humans; Morals; Interpersonal Relations; Motivation; Self Concept
PubMed: 37827197
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031614 -
The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy Aug 2022Prompted by recent comments on the moral authority of dialogic consensus, we argue that consensus, specifically dialogic consensus, possesses a unique form of moral...
Prompted by recent comments on the moral authority of dialogic consensus, we argue that consensus, specifically dialogic consensus, possesses a unique form of moral authority. Given our multicultural era and its plurality of values, we contend that traditional ethical frameworks or principles derived from them cannot be viewed substantively. Both philosophers and clinicians prioritize the need for a decision to be morally justifiable, and also for the decision to be action-guiding. We argue that, especially against the background of our pluralistic society, it is only via unforced dialogue and properly founded argumentation, aiming for consensus, that we can ascribe rightness or wrongness in a normative fashion to dilemmatic situations. We argue that both the process of dialogue, properly constituted, and the consensual outcome itself have moral authority vested within them. Finally, we argue that the consensual decision made is able to withstand moral scrutiny and is action-guiding, without claiming absolute moral authority in other contexts.
Topics: Consensus; Cultural Diversity; Humans; Morals
PubMed: 35751628
DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhac007 -
Missouri Medicine 2023
Topics: Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Morals
PubMed: 38144933
DOI: No ID Found -
PloS One 2023When correcting for consumption externalities policymakers may employ economic incentives, a uniform moral suasion intervention, or various micro-targeted moral suasion...
When correcting for consumption externalities policymakers may employ economic incentives, a uniform moral suasion intervention, or various micro-targeted moral suasion interventions. To assess the relative effectiveness of these policy interventions, we randomly assign consumers to different moral suasion treatments designed to increase their willingness to pay for energy efficient light bulbs. Both economic incentives and single moral suasion interventions have similar modest effects on household willingness to pay for this durable good. However, we find that optimally targeting moral suasion messages increases consumers' choice of the most efficient light bulbs even more than large subsidies.
Topics: Morals; Family Characteristics; Consumer Behavior
PubMed: 37141200
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284338 -
Clinical Child and Family Psychology... Jun 2023Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for conduct problems in children and adolescents aims to decrease behaviors which may be considered moral transgressions (e.g.,... (Review)
Review
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for conduct problems in children and adolescents aims to decrease behaviors which may be considered moral transgressions (e.g., aggressive and antisocial behavior) and to increase behaviors that benefit others (e.g., helping, comforting). However, the moral aspects underlying these behaviors have received relatively little attention. In view of increasing the effectiveness of CBT for conduct problems, insights into morality and empathy based on studies from developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience are reviewed and integrated into a previously proposed model of social problem-solving (Matthys & Schutter, Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 25:552-572, 2022). Specifically, this narrative review discusses developmental psychology studies on normative beliefs in support of aggression and antisocial behavior, clarification of goals, and empathy. These studies are complemented by cognitive neuroscience research on harm perception and moral thinking, harm perception and empathy, others' beliefs and intentions, and response outcome learning and decision-making. A functional integration of moral thinking and empathy into social problem-solving in group CBT may contribute to the acceptance of morality-related issues by children and adolescents with conduct problems.
Topics: Humans; Child; Adolescent; Empathy; Morals; Aggression; Problem Behavior
PubMed: 36905479
DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00429-4 -
Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem 2023to analyze scientific evidence on moral courage and related factors among nursing undergraduate students. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
to analyze scientific evidence on moral courage and related factors among nursing undergraduate students.
METHOD
the protocol of this scoping review was registered on Open Science Framework. A search was performed in five databases, according to the method provided by Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers, the mnemonic strategy Population, Concept and Context, and a specific checklist.
RESULTS
a total of 2,812 results were identified, but only nine studies were eligible and presented three thematic approaches: Moral courage from the perspective of nursing students; Moral courage and related factors; and The teaching of moral courage in the training of nursing students. The factors related to moral courage include moral distress, moral sensitivity, age, and having a previous degree in the health field.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
few studies were found with a low evidence level. Most were performed in developed countries, indicating some gaps that need to be addressed in the future.
Topics: Humans; Courage; Students, Nursing; Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; Ethics, Nursing; Qualitative Research; Morals
PubMed: 37042930
DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0225 -
Patient Education and Counseling Nov 2021Most writing about uncertainty in healthcare has addressed empirical uncertainty - that is, resulting from insufficient or conflicting facts.
BACKGROUND
Most writing about uncertainty in healthcare has addressed empirical uncertainty - that is, resulting from insufficient or conflicting facts.
OBJECTIVE
To consider moral uncertainty by exploring how different theories apply to a single clinical case.
METHOD
In this philosophical reflection, I briefly acknowledge empirical uncertainty before introducing and exploring the topic of moral uncertainty - defined as the question of what to do when we do not know what (morally) to do-using a case study of my own mother's deterioration and death from Covid-19.
RESULTS
I identify and apply a number of philosophical theories relevant to managing moral uncertainty, including utilitarianism, deontology, practical rationality and feminist philosophy.
CONCLUSION
Different moral theories lead to different conclusions about the best course of action in situations of moral uncertainty.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Detailed analysis and close reading of a single case can provide insights into how to act in morally complex situations, but learning is in the form of enriched understanding, not formulaic rules.
Topics: COVID-19; Ethical Theory; Humans; Morals; SARS-CoV-2; Uncertainty
PubMed: 34294493
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.07.022 -
The Lancet. Planetary Health Mar 2023The unequal exposure to clinical conditions and other psychological responses associated with climate change and ecological degradation is due to resource access,... (Review)
Review
The unequal exposure to clinical conditions and other psychological responses associated with climate change and ecological degradation is due to resource access, geographical location, and other systemic factors. Ecological distress is further determined by values, beliefs, identity presentations, and group affiliations. Current models, such as climate anxiety, have made helpful distinctions between impairment and cognitive-emotional processes but obscure underlying ethical dilemmas and fundamental inequalities, restricting our understanding of accountability and the distress emerging from intergroup dynamics. In this Viewpoint, we argue that the concept of moral injury is essential because it foregrounds social position and ethics. It identifies spectrums of both agency and responsibility (guilt, shame, and anger) and powerlessness (depression, grief, and betrayal). The moral injury framework thus goes beyond an acontextual definition of wellbeing to identify how differential access to political power influences the diversity of psychological responses and conditions related to climate change and ecological degradation. A moral injury lens supports clinicians and policy makers to transform despair and stasis into care and action by delineating both the psychological and structural elements that determine the possibilities (and limits) of individual and community agency.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Morals; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Climate Change; Social Justice
PubMed: 36889865
DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00335-7