The process through which an individual develops their own personal sense of self, morality, and values is referred to as moral development. Moral development refers to the changes that occur throughout life in one's understanding of right and wrong, good and bad, justice, fairness, and morality. It involves an ongoing journey whereby individuals learn how to make meaningful choices based on principles they hold dear, such as honesty, compassion, respect for others, responsibility, and kindness. According to psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, moral development can be divided into three stages: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional. In the preconventional stage, which typically occurs during childhood, children are primarily concerned with following rules and avoiding punishment; they lack an understanding of abstract ethical concepts like justice and rights. In the conventional stage, which generally begins in adolescence, teenagers become more aware of societal norms and expectations and start to consider what is expected of them; however, they still prioritize social approval above all else.
In the postconventional stage, individuals have developed a strong set of beliefs and values and are able to apply them to various situations beyond those presented by society or family.
Internal identity negotiation is a crucial aspect of moral development, particularly for members of the LGBT community. Internal identity negotiation refers to the process through which individuals explore and come to terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity, often a complex and challenging task given the stigma and discrimination faced by many LGBT people. Research suggests that internal identity negotiation plays a significant role in shaping moral development in LGBT individuals, influencing their sense of self-worth, personal boundaries, and perceptions of right and wrong. Specifically, studies indicate that individuals who experience greater conflict related to their sexuality or gender identity tend to exhibit lower levels of moral reasoning ability than those without such conflicts (Walton & Cohen, 2013). This may be due to the fact that resolving identity issues requires cognitive resources that could otherwise be devoted to moral deliberation.
Research has found that LGBT individuals who experience higher levels of internalized homophobia—the negative attitudes toward one's own sexuality—tend to report lower levels of moral development than those without such feelings (Ross, 2004).
It appears that internal identity negotiation can impact moral development in LGBT individuals in several ways. Firstly, the struggle to understand and accept one's sexuality or gender identity may lead to a heightened focus on conforming to societal norms and expectations rather than developing an independent moral code based on personal beliefs and values. Secondly, experiencing prejudice and discrimination as a result of one's identity may contribute to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, which can impede moral growth.
Identifying with certain social groups—such as religious communities that oppose same-sex relationships—may create internal tensions between the individual's personal morality and external pressures.
How does internal identity negotiation impact moral development in LGBT individuals?
Internal identity negotiation can be an important factor that influences moral development in LGBT individuals. It refers to the process of understanding and coming to terms with one's sexual orientation or gender identity, which is often a complex and personal journey. During this time, individuals may face challenges such as confusion, fear, and rejection from society, and they must navigate these obstacles while also developing their moral principles and values.