Profile of moral reasoning in persons with bipolar affective disorder

Apply

Profile of moral reasoning in persons with bipolar affective disorder

Journal Title: Psychiatria Polska - Year 2014, Vol 48, Issue 3

Abstract

Aim : The subject of the research presented in this paper was to analyze the relationships between bipolar disorder (BD) and the profile of moral reasoning according to the concept of James Rest. Material and methods : 86 persons took part in the research, including 43 bipolar patients and 43 healthy individuals. To measure the severity of depression and mania symptoms the following scales were used: Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Montgomery- Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Young Rating Scale for Mania (YMRS). Profile of moral reasoning was defined on the basis of the results obtained in the Defining Issue Test (DIT) by James Rest. Results : Statistical analysis showed that there is a relationship between bipolar disorder (and its phases) and the profile of moral reasoning: bipolar patients significantly less often than healthy individuals chose answers indicating the postconventional thinking (p=0,000) – and more often – answers indicating stage 3 and those belonging to the anti-institutional thinking index (p=0,000). There was also a relationship shown between the development of moral reasoning and the phase of bipolar disorder: patients in mania less often than persons in euthymia chose answers indicating the final stage of moral thinking (p=0,050). There were no significant differences between the results of patients with a depressive episode and the results of patients in mania and between the results of patients with a depressive episode and the results of patients in euthymia. Conclusions : The results suggest that the psychological state of the individual may have an impact on the process of moral reasoning – bipolar disorder may to some extent influence the way of thinking about moral dilemmas. The collected data also seem to emphasize the specificity of the manic phase which is especially worth exploration when conducting further studies.

Authors and Affiliations

Roksana Epa, Natalia Czyżowska, Dominika Dudek, Marcin Siwek, Józef Gierowski

Keywords

morality development of Moral Reasoning Bipolar affective disorder

Contribution of the Polish-German Mental Health Society to changes in Polish psychiatry

The aim of this presentation is to give a profile of the history and work of the Polish- Ger - man Mental Health Society (PNTZP). Founded in 1990, the PNTZP’s supreme objective is to develop and reinforce partnership bet...

Elektrowstrząsy oraz inne nowe techniki stymulacji elektrycznej i magnetycznej w terapii depresji – zagadnienia placebo i zapewnienie warunków ślepej próby, oraz inne problemy metodologiczne

EP ID EP152826
DOI -
Views 96
Downloads 0