The relationship between moral freedom and responsibility in adolescents

Abstract

Freedom is a fundamental concept in shaping adolescent identity. However, adolescents perceive freedom in various ways, highlighting the controversial nature of the term. If freedom is defined as the ability to act according to one's own will and desire or as the absence of obstacles and constraints, responsibility, on the other hand, is understood as the obligation to account for one's actions before specific authorities, according to well-defined procedures. Responsibility also implies a moral and intellectual duty to fulfill obligations, commitments, or to rectify mistakes. In their search for self-discovery, young people attempt to construct their own vision of life, defining their values and limits. While dependent on individual freedom, adolescent behavior often contradicts responsibility, tending toward increased private initiative, intensified selfishness, and the use of amoral means. To assess the impact of freedom and responsibility on adolescent personality development, the questionnaire The Relationship Between Moral Freedom and Responsibility was applied. The results revealed that adolescents struggle to identify the connection between freedom and responsibility. Thus, an incorrect perception of freedom, at the expense of responsibility, leads to deviant behaviors. The research findings highlight the urgent need to cultivate moral responsibility in adolescents and enhance their understanding of the concept of freedom, its implications, and the consequences of their actions, thereby preventing associated risks.