DefinePK

Abstract

Present study was done to investigate the mediating role of self-concept inmoral development and risk-taking behavior among children. Aim of thestudy was to explore the role of self-concept as a mediator between moraldevelopment and risk-taking behavior among children. Study was done onthe sample size of 300 children. Sample of the study was selected thoughpurposive-convenient sampling technique. Sample was selected from thegovernment and private schools of Rawalpindi. Moral development wasmeasured through Bandura scale for moral disengagement. Self-conceptof the children was measured using Braken scale for self-concept and risk-behaviors among children were measured through sensation seeking scaleby zakerman. It was hypothesized that self-concept act as mediatorbetween moral development and risk-taking behaviors among children.Data was statistically analyzed through using SPSS. Result of our studyshowed that self-concept is a strong mediator of moral development andrisk-taking behavior among children. Furthermore, our study revealed thatself-concept is a strong predictor of moral justification, distortion ofpossible consequences, diffusion of responsibility, dehumanization andattribution of blame. Our study also revealed that girls scored significantlyhigh on moral justification, distortion of possible consequences anddiffusion of responsibility whereas boys scored significantly high on therisk-taking behaviors. Our findings have strong implications for childpsychopathology.