Moral development and psychopathological interference in conscience functioning among adolescents after trauma

Objectives: To compare moral development and psychopathological interferenc e with conscience functioning (PI) among adolescents exposed to different d egrees of earthquake-related trauma and to investigate the relationship of moral development and PI to exposure to trauma, severity of posttraumatic s tress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, postearthquake adversities, and extent of l oss of nuclear family members. Method: Adolescents (N = 193) from 2 cities at different distances from the epicenter were evaluated. The Stilwell Stru ctured Conscience Interview was used to assess moral development and PI. St ructured self-report instruments were used to obtain ratings of severity of earthquake-related trauma, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and postearthqua ke adversities. Results: Adolescents in the city near the epicenter manifes ted advanced moral development as compared with their counterparts in the l ess affected city. Concomitantly, they endorsed responses indicating PI. Le vels of PI were significantly correlated with severity of PTSD symptoms. Co nclusion: in the aftermath of a catastrophic natural disaster, children ass ume greater responsibilities and confront a multitude of morally challengin g interpersonal situations which may result in an advancement of their mora l development. Yet, at the same time, PTSD symptoms and negative schematiza tions of self and others may give rise to disturbances in conscience functi oning. The findings suggest that therapeutic consideration should be given to assisting children in integrating the horror of their traumatic experien ces and the harshness of posttrauma adversities into an adaptive schema of good and evil in themselves and the world.