EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and moral development among students. Specifically, the study aimed to examine the relationship between ACEs and moral development, evaluate gender differences in ACEs and moral development, and explore age differences in ACEs and moral development. A correlational research design was employed, using a survey questionnaire administered to 300 Undergraduate Students of University of Lagos aged 16 to 25 years. Adverse Childhood experiences was measured using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q) was utilized to assess ACEs while Moral development was measured using the Moral Identity Questionnaire (MIQ). The results revealed a significant negative relationship between moral development and ACEs (r = -.326, p < 0.05), supporting hypothesis 1. This suggests that individuals who experienced higher levels of ACEs tended to exhibit lower levels of moral development. However, no significant gender differences were found in both ACEs and moral development. Males and females reported similar levels of ACEs and moral development, leading to the rejection of hypothesis 2. Regarding age differences, emerging adults aged 18-21 exhibited higher levels of moral development (Mean = 62.18, SD = 5.29) compared to those aged 22-25 (Mean = 59.88, SD = 4.13), with a significant difference between the two age groups (t (297) = 4.15, p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in ACEs between the two age groups. Thus, hypothesis 3 was partially supported. These findings contribute to the understanding of the impact of ACEs on moral development among Undergraduate Students of University of Lagos.