Moral judgment and motivation in college students' alcohol related decision-making

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.