Effect of Religiosity and Moral Identity Internalization on Prosocial Behaviour

Abstract

The main aim of the present research was to study the religiosity and moral identity internalization as effective variables of prosocial behaviour. Sample consisted of 400 emerging adults (females) in the age range of 18–24. All participants completed questionnaire measures, namely religiosity scale (Bhushan, 1970), moral identity inventory (Aquino & Reed, 2002, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83, 1423–1440) and prosocial personality battery (Penner, Fritzsche, Craiger & Friefeld, 1995, Advances in Personality Assessment (vol. 10, pp. 147–184). Hillsdale, NJ: Lea). The data were subjected to 2 × 2 analysis of variance. The results of ANOVA clearly revealed that highly religious people are more responsible socially, exhibit higher empathic concern, are more able to take others perspective, have higher prosocial moral reasoning capabilities, are more helpful, altruistic and demonstrate a high level of other oriented empathy. High moral identity internalization leads to socially responsible behaviour, along with higher empathic concern and perspective-taking abilities. Individuals with high level of moral identity were found capable to use prosocial moral reasoning, and they also exhibited higher levels of other oriented empathy. Religiosity and moral identity internalization interacted with each other to produce a combined effect on mutual concern moral reasoning.