Impact of Moral Decision Making in Emerging Adults

Abstract

Emerging adulthood, typically defined as the period between ages 18 and 25, represents a critical developmental stage marked by exploration, self-discovery, and identity formation. During this time, individuals face numerous moral dilemmas that significantly influence their personal and social lives. Decision making is a crucial aspect of this age as it has many long-term implications. This review focuses on “moral decision-making,” encompassing judgments, evaluations, and choices made within the moral domain. By examining the complex relationship between moral decision-making and emerging adults, this paper explores how cognitive development, identity formation, and social influences intersect to shape moral reasoning and its outcomes. A systematic review of 34 studies (1983–2025) on decision-making and moral reasoning is presented, integrating various theoretical perspectives and empirical findings. The review aims to offer a nuanced understanding of how emerging adults’ moral decisions are shaped by life experiences and connected to their sense of moral identity in real-life contexts. Additionally, the findings highlight the role of consequences in moral orientations and decision-making processes during this developmental period.