Exploring the Moral Emotions among Juvenile Delinquents in the Maldives

HRMARS - Many societies around the world face challenges posed by juvenile delinquency, and within this context, moral emotions are highly applicable both to the understanding of the problem and the potential solutions. This study analyses juvenile delinquency in the context of the Maldives and the potential of moral emotions – guilt, shame, empathy, and remorse. This study incorporates Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development, Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, and Agnew’s General Strain Theory. The results of the study indicate that moral emotions are crucial in juvenile behavior and the outcomes of decisions made. The study demonstrates the importance of understanding the socio-cultural context of the Maldives in designing moral emotions and developing socio moral scaffolding, therefore reducing delinquent behavior and aid positive development within the youth.