Define and discuss moral identity. How is moral identity related to prosocial behavior? What are some factors that strengthen moral identity?

What will be an ideal response?

Moral identity is the degree to which morality is central to self-concept. Like moral reasoning, moral identity affects moral behavior. In a study of low-SES African-American and Hispanic teenagers, those who emphasized moral traits and goals in their self-descriptions displayed exceptional levels of community service. And when 10- to 18-year-olds rated moral traits on the basis of whether each reflected the kind of person they wanted to be, those with a stronger moral ideal self were viewed by their parents as more ethical and altruistic in behavior. Researchers are identifying factors that strengthen moral identity. Certain parenting practices—inductive discipline and clearly conveyed moral expectations—augment adolescents’ moral identity. Also, opportunities to enact moral behaviors through community service enhance adolescents’ self-understanding, thereby contributing to a stronger moral identity and, in turn, to moral motivation.