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How the First Year of College Influences Moral Reasoning Development for Students in Moral Consolidation and Moral Transition
- Journal of College Student Development
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 53, Number 1, January/February 2012
- pp. 19-40
- 10.1353/csd.2012.0004
- Article
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Understanding the developmental issues first-time college students face is critical for scholars and educators interested in learning and development. This purpose of this study was to investigate the differential impact of first-year college experiences on the moral reasoning development of 1,469 students in moral transition versus those in moral consolidation. Results demonstrated that developmental gains in moral reasoning varied as a function of students' moral phases; some students may be more developmentally ready to face and resolve the educational challenges that often characterize first-year programs and curricula, such as diversity courses. The results have implications for educators and moral psychologists.