Relationship between moral development test scores of juvenile delinquents and their inclusion in a moral dilemma discussion group.

Abstract

This study sought to determine whether or not the discussion of moral dilemmas was related to the gain scores obtained by juvenile delinquents on a test of moral development. 13 female and 16 male juvenile delinquents were assigned to a developmental group or a control group. The Defining Issues Test was administered as a pretest to determine levels of moral development. Subjects in the developmental group were then exposed to moral dilemmas which were used to stimulate group discussion moderated by the first investigator. The group discussion consisted of 6 l½-hr. sessions over a 4-wk. period. Comparison of pretest and posttest scores on the issues test showed that group membership was significantly related to gain scores. Subjects in the developmental group—but not the control group—scored substantially higher on the posttest than on the pretest. While the moral enhancement procedure used in this study may constitute a viable foundation for working with juvenile delinquents' responses on a moral judgment scale, it still remains to be seen if these procedures would interact in a similar fashion with the actual level of their moral behaviors.