ABSTRACT
The moral self is an individual’s dynamic and malleable moral self-concept. In this chapter, we describe how the moral self functions within the working self-concept, relates to an individual’s broader identity, and is affected by and affects behavior and cognition. Specifically, we differentiate the moral self from related constructs such as moral identity, self-esteem, and actual, ideal and ought selves. We then discuss how the moral self serves to regulate individuals’ moral behavior and review the literature on what shapes the moral self and what the moral self is likely to shape in return. We close by discussing future directions in research about the moral self.
