ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of a research program to examine the complexity of moral motivation and development by using the dynamic systems perspective. Moral motivation is reconceptualized as a complex dynamic system and a process that gives rise to moral judgments and actions. To explore this perspective, findings from samples of adolescents and young adults are examined. A dynamic reformulation of Kohlberg’s stages is presented as contextually emerging structures of motivation. Findings supported the notion that individuals use multiple motivational structures in different degrees as they make moral judgments. The degrees of stage operations are sensitive to contextual factors, as meaningful relations were found between stage operations and feelings toward specific actors in moral dilemmas. Degrees of stage operations were also differentially related to judgment choices. Findings revealed intrapersonal multiplicity in the reported experience of moral emotions in the context of moral dilemmas. Anger, hate, compassion, and distress have been found to be particularly significant in their connections with moral development and specific judgment choices. Toward a more adequate examination of the dynamically variable nature of moral motivation, the chapter also includes a summary of an iterative model of short-term moral motivation. Taking into account intrapersonal variability in terms of multiple moral motivational structures has important implications for understanding the complexity of moral judgment, promoting constructive actions, and facilitating moral self-regulation. The set of studies presented in this chapter have the limitations of group-level analyses. Individual-based inquiry is needed for a more adequate empirical application of dynamic systems ideas.
