Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to learn more about the moral development of college
students who violated institutional alcohol policies. Alcohol related behavior that was
considered a violation of institutional policy was examined using the four-component model of
moral behavior (Rest, Narvaez, Bebeau, & Thoma, 1999). The study was based in qualitative
methodology and utilized a phenomenological approach. Data were gathered through semistructured
interviews with undergraduate students who had previously violated institutional
alcohol policy and were in good standing with the institution. The researcher found that
participants were strongly committed to acting morally. Participants developed personal moral
codes that informed their alcohol related decision-making process which was dominated by
considerations of self-interest.