Relationship Between Moral Identity and Effortful Control with Antisocial Behaviors in Adolescence: Examining the Mediating Role of Empathy

Aim: Antisocial behaviors encompass violations of societal norms and laws, ranging from superficial acts like lying and bullying to more severe crimes such as violence and criminality. These actions, which infringe upon the rights of others, may intensify over time. The current research aimed to examine the mediating role of empathy in the relationship between moral identity and effortful control with antisocial behaviors among high school students in Shiraz. Method: The statistical population included all high school students in Shiraz city. From this population, a sample of 567 individuals was selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. The instruments used included Aquino and Reed's (2002) Moral Identity Questionnaire, Ellis and Rothbart's (2001) Effortful Control Questionnaire, the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), and Burt & Donnellan's (2009) Antisocial Behavior Questionnaire. The evaluation of the proposed model was conducted using path analysis in SPSS-24 and AMOS-24 software. Result: The findings indicated that the proposed model fits the data well. There is a direct effect of moral identity on empathy, and empathy has a meaningful direct effect on antisocial behaviors. Similarly, moral identity directly influences antisocial behaviors. However, the paths from moral identity to antisocial behaviors, from effortful control to empathy, and from effortful control to antisocial behaviors are not significant. Additionally, the indirect path from moral identity to antisocial behavior through empathy is significant. However, the indirect path from effortful control to antisocial behavior through empathy is not significant. Conclusion: Thus, reinforcing moral identity and empathy can serve as effective strategies to address antisocial behaviors. These two elements can foster greater understanding and mutual respect within society, which, in turn, may lead to a reduction in conflicts and the promotion of healthier relationships.