Science for Education Today, 2025, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 201–223
© Zagladina A. R., Bushueva A. M., Maximenko A. A., 2025
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Formation of stable moral attitudes of schoolchildren: Assessment of the role of family health factors in anti-corruption behavior

Zagladina A. R. 1 (Moscow, Russian Federation), Bushueva A. M. 2 (Kostroma, Russian Federation), Maximenko A. A. 3 (Kostroma, Russian Federation)
1 HSE University
2 Kostroma State University
3 Kostroma Regional Branch of the Russian Society of Sociologists
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Abstract: 

Introduction. Amid growing attention to the problem of corruption, the study of factors influencing the formation of anti-corruption behavior from an early age is becoming increasingly relevant. The family, as the primary agent of socialization, plays a key role in transmitting moral norms and values. However, the impact of the family’s socio-emotional health on the formation of attitudes toward corruption remains insufficiently studied. The present study is aimed at identifying and generalizing the features of the formation of stable moral attitudes among schoolchildren, as well as substantiating the role of family health factors in the context of anti-corruption behavior.
Materials and Methods. A total of 354 students participated in the study (58.5% girls and 41.5% boys), aged between 13 and 17 years (M = 15.86, SD = 0.98). The study implemented a quantitative methodological approach based on the principles of the post-positivist paradigm, which implies objective data collection and statistical processing of empirical results. A standardized survey conducted online was used as the primary method of data collection, ensuring consistency in the research procedure. The collected data were analyzed using mathematical and statistical methods, including descriptive statistics (to determine general trends and characteristics of the sample), correlation analysis (to identify statistically significant relationships between family health parameters, personality traits, and indicators of anti-corruption behavior among schoolchildren), and moderation analysis (to assess the influence of third variables on the strength and nature of the identified relationships). This comprehensive approach made it possible to thoroughly examine the studied phenomenon, taking into account individual psychological and socio-family factors.
Results. The authors identified stable statistical associations between components of family health and adolescents’ anti-corruption attitudes. In particular, a positive correlation was found between socio-emotional family health, the level of external social support, and the expression of condemnation of corruption. At the same time, data indicating a negative relationship between the level of material well-being in the family and the tendency to condemn corrupt behavior were summarized. The significance of adolescents’ personality traits as mediators of these relationships was also clarified: it was established that openness to experience partially mediates the connection between family health and anti-corruption attitudes, while conscientiousness serves as a mediator in the context of the family's healthy lifestyle. Thus, the authors confirmed the importance of the family context and individual personality factors in shaping attitudes toward corruption among schoolchildren, highlighting openness to experience as a particularly significant variable.
Conclusions. The development of anti-corruption attitudes in adolescents requires a comprehensive approach, including the strengthening of family well-being, the fostering of critical thinking, and the development of self-control. The obtained results can be taken into account in the development of anti-corruption education and nurturing strategies aimed at reinforcing family values and fostering stable moral attitudes among Russian schoolchildren.

Keywords: 

Family health; Psychological entitlement; Moral outrage over corruption; Healthy lifestyle; Moral principles; Conscientiousness; Openness to experience; Anti-corruption behavior of schoolchildren

For citation:
Zagladina A. R., Bushueva A. M., Maximenko A. A. Formation of stable moral attitudes of schoolchildren: Assessment of the role of family health factors in anti-corruption behavior. Science for Education Today, 2025, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 201–223. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15293/2658-6762.2503.10
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Date of the publication 30.06.2025