Shared Perceptions of Personal Moral Development: An Inquiry in Social Research

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated perceptions of 14 contemporary moral leaders regarding primary influences on their moral development. Findings indicated a number of important factors influenced the participants’ moral development, including parents, spirituality, education/mentors/friends, and peak experiences. This study has implications for those in the caring professions for their own moral leadership development and their support of others. Awareness of the factors that influenced the 14 participants, recognized for their moral leadership, can promote a keen awareness of moral formation factors. Transformational therapeutic approaches may be used to support positive moral leadership development during stressful life shifts and experiences.