Predictors of Moral Reasoning among African American Children: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

This study examined the ways in which gender, empathy, and cultural orientation (communalism and competitive individualism) influence the moral judgments of urban fifth and eighth grade African American children. Pencil and paper measures of these constructs were completed by 44 fifth and 46 eighth graders. Results revealed greater endorsement of communalism among girls than boys. Separate correlation matrices and path analysis models were computed for girls and boys. Communalism, empathy, and grade emerged as significant correlates and predictors of moral reasoning among boys. Empathy emerged as a mediator between communalism and moral reasoning for boys. Grade was the only significant correlate and predictor of moral reasoning for girls. The findings are discussed in terms of the study’s methodological limitations and implications for future research on African American culture and moral development.