SYMBOLIC PATHS OF VIRTUE: EVALUATING THE MORAL IDENTITY SCALE'S APPLICABILITY IN GENDER-DRIVEN MORAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper investigates the measurement invariance of the moral identity scale among adolescents, according to gender. The study aims to determine the validity of the scale's two dimensions (internalization and symbolism) and test it for measurement invariance using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA). The responses of 611 male and female adolescents were analyzed using a descriptive analytical method. The results show a suitable proposed model for the content of the moral identity scale among adolescents. The internalization and symbolism dimensions were found to have high validity. The study also identified the presence of configural, metric, and scalar invariance in the scale items according to gender. The authors highlight the importance of the moral identity concept among individuals and its impact on adolescent growth and development. They note the scarcity of studies that address the development and formation of moral identity and emphasize the significance of measurement invariance in making reliable comparisons between groups.