Behavioral Indices of Neuropsychological Processing Implicated in Moral Domain Reasoning amongst Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Moral domain theory posits that moral knowledge is organized in separate domains related to moral and socio-conventional rules, with the latter being reliant on a statement made by authority. Domains may be contingent on different neuropsychological processing that may vary with age. Behavioral indices were measured in three age groups, to detect differences in the neuropsychological processing allegedly involved in the evaluation of rule transgressions in different domains. Acceptance of the transgressions was also investigated. Twenty-four children, 32 early adolescents, and 31 adolescents judged acceptability of rule transgressions when an authority figure allowed the transgression. Across age, moral-rule transgressions were less accepted and took significantly longer to be evaluated. In evaluating moral rule scenarios, children had the longest reaction times. Older adolescents took the least amount of time evaluating socio-conventional rule scenarios. Results suggest differences in the neuropsychological processing underlying decision making for moral and socio-conventional domains and that rule comprehension and distinction amongst domains increase by age.

Peculiarities of Assertiveness Development and Ways of Socialization of Personality in Adolescence

“…When adolescents assess different types of ethical situations, other areas of the brain are activated. Thus, in determining personal moral problems, the response is more emotionally significant, while impersonal moral dilemmas are, in most cases, based on conscious and controlled thinking (Caravita et al, 2020). Thus, the importance of deciding on the ethical dilemma situation affects the neuropsychological processes involved in assessing the situation.…”

“…The nervous system of the adolescent is unstable and is characterized by changes in vital organs and systems (Rivera et al, 2020). Transformations in the brain during adolescence are associated with various manifestations of risky behavior (Caravita et al, 2020). The most significant influence is shown by natural heterochronous processes of maturation of multiple brain sites, neurohumoral changes in DNS.…”