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Moral Identity and Subjective Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Identity Commitment Quality

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  • Peng Cui

    (Department of Psychology and Behavior Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
    School of Educational Science, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou 466001, China)

  • Yanhui Mao

    (Department of Psychology and Behavior Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
    Institute of Applied Psychology, Psychological Research and Counseling Center, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China)

  • Yufan Shen

    (School of Educational Science, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou 466001, China)

  • Jianhong Ma

    (Department of Psychology and Behavior Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

Abstract

Moral identity is associated with people’s subjective well-being; however, little is known about how an individual with moral identity relates to one’s subjective well-being. Based on the eudaimonic identity theory, the current study proposed that identity commitment quality is a critical mechanism that links moral identity (two dimensions: internalization and symbolization) and subjective well-being. We examined our hypotheses in 419 college students, who completed the Self-importance of Moral Identity Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Scale of Positive and Negative Experience, and Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Well-being. Results confirmed significant positive correlations among moral identity, identity commitment quality, and subjective well-being; findings also suggested that both the internalization and symbolization dimensions of moral identity predicted subjective well-being through identity commitment quality, and identity commitment quality fully mediated the pathway relationship between moral identity and subjective well-being. We discussed these findings with respect to implications and proposed research suggestions for future studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng Cui & Yanhui Mao & Yufan Shen & Jianhong Ma, 2021. "Moral Identity and Subjective Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Identity Commitment Quality," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:18:p:9795-:d:637515
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    References listed on IDEAS

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