Relationship between moral reasoning and the neuropsychological functions of executive and gestaltic processing

The present study has shed light on an important connection that was missing from the current literature: that between deficits in executive and gestalt functioning on the one hand, and moral reasoning on the other. The present study was able to address the stated goal as well as provide information regarding deficits within neuropsychological functioning related to moral reasoning.;Kohlberg and Rest purport that executive functions play a large role in the development and presentation of moral reasoning in that they allow for the individual to process, filter, and ultimately act upon their moral decision. However, Kohlberg and Rest did not consider Gestalten laws and their applicability to moral reasoning. Although executive functions allow for the processing, filtering, and acting upon one's moral decision, the ability to accurately perceive the situation is also imperative as it is the primary source of information for the individual in order to accurately proceed with his or her decision-making processes.;This study addressed the gap in the literature surrounding gestaltic processing and moral reasoning. Additionally, it provided further support to the current body of literature implicating executive functions within the moral reasoning process. In order to achieve this, the current study recruited a total of 74 individuals to complete a moral reasoning assessment, a test of executive function, and an assessment of gestaltic processing. To increase dispersion of moral reasoning scores, only individuals diagnosed with a Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) were recruited to the study.;Findings revealed that both executive and gestaltic functioning deficits impact the expression of moral reasoning on a pen-and-paper test. This research supports the current literature surrounding the observed correlation between moral reasoning and executive functioning. Furthermore it contributes to the breadth of literature as to date no study has yet to consider the effects of gestaltic processing on moral reasoning. As a further benefit, this research provides continued evidence for the consideration of biological influences on the individual diagnosed with BPD and how such influences might negatively impact the BPD patient's ability to engage in moral reasoning.