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The Relationship between Moral Character and Academic Dishonesty of Students: The Mediating Role of Perfectionism
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Farhad Khormaei *1    , Motahareh Torkizadeh2 , Kimia Sahraian3 |
1- University of Shiraz , khormaei@shirazu.ac.ir
2- University of Shiraz
3- Higher Education Center of Eghlid |
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Abstract: (26 Views) |
Objective: Academic dishonesty has emerged as a significant challenge in contemporary educational systems, undermining not only academic integrity and scientific credibility but also ethical principles and social values. Moral character, as a fundamental personality trait, may play a crucial role in preventing unethical behaviors. However, other personality characteristics, such as perfectionism, may strengthen or weaken this relationship. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between moral character and academic dishonesty, with perfectionism as a mediating variable, among students.
Methods: This applied study employed a quantitative, descriptive–correlational (cross-sectional) design and was conducted using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all upper secondary school students in Rudan city during the 2022–2023 academic year. A total of 352 students were selected through multistage cluster random sampling. Data were collected using standardized measures of moral character, perfectionism, and academic dishonesty, and analyzed with AMOS-24 software. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, voluntary participation, and confidentiality of information, were fully observed.
Results: The findings indicated that moral character directly and negatively predicted academic dishonesty. Moreover, perfectionism played a significant mediating role in the relationship between moral character and academic dishonesty.
Conclusion: The results suggest that strengthening moral character and regulating maladaptive aspects of perfectionism may be effective in reducing academic dishonesty. Accordingly, educational interventions focused on moral character development and the management of maladaptive perfectionism can contribute to enhancing students’ ethical and academic well-being. |
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| Keywords: Moral character, academic dishonesty, perfectionism, mediation, structural equation modeling |
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Full-Text [DOCX 363 kb]
(10 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special- quantitative
Received: 2025/07/24 | Revised: 2026/02/8 | Accepted: 2025/10/8 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/02/8 | Published: 2025/12/4 | ePublished: 2025/12/4
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