MORAL FOUNDATIONS AND VALUE
Moral Foundations and Value
Jose H. Martinez Morales
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
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MORAL FOUNDATIONS AND VALUE
Moral Foundation and Value
As a member in the Profession of Arms assigned to Eielson AFB, Alaska. Understanding
that the military is probably one of the most diverse careers you may encounter due to the
diverse culture and backgrounds. Throughout this paper I will address my values and beliefs. My
values are what carries me every day to make decisions, it is one of the most precious
possessions somebody can have. One of the major lessons that I’ve learn in the military is that
when we bring together a team, we all have different values and beliefs. This actually can have
certain challenges between team members specially throughout the team building stages. At the
end of the day, we are able to come together as a team setting aside things that we may not agree
completely but we understand that in order to push the team further and accomplish the mission,
we have to compromise in a healthy way. The research in this paper will help us as individuals to
understand and developed awareness for ourselves when dealing with individuals that may not
have the same values.
Moral Foundations
After taking the Moral Foundation Questionnaire the following were the results I got. In
the category of Harm/Care is 20, this is the second highest score. The next category
Fairness/Reciprocity is 26 which is the highest score. The next three categories were In
group/Loyalty is 15, Authority/Respect is 12 and the last category Purity/Sanctity is 13. After
examining the results, I’m not surprise at all with my scores. According to the textbook Cultural
Humility, Liberal individuals prioritize the moral foundation Harm/Care and
Fairness/Reciprocity. I consider myself a Liberal individual. I’m very open and will always listen
to other people’s opinion and view while theirs may differ from mine, it does not mean that I’m
not going to respect theirs. This is something that I believe that it has helped me throughout my
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military career because I’m always open to listen regardless of my beliefs. As we evolve as a
person and leaders we need to sometimes put out personal biases aside in order to become better
person and leaders. I believe that the result of the questionnaire reflects a true assessment the
morals that define me as a person and what I value, when making decisions (Hook, Davis, Owen,
& DeBlaere, 2017).
I believe that I would be capable of applying the Moral Foundation results into my daily
lives. I should be able to recall the moral foundation that are most important to me and when
basing decision factors to ensure that I make the right choices and stay within the parameters of
my Moral compass. Since my strongest categories were Harm/Care and Fairness/Respect, I
believe that I would be able to lean and apply the characteristic that fall within the Harm/Care
foundations. The qualities like compassion and kindness I believe that are essential traits for
those aspiring to become counselors. Not only you are able to treat the client with compassion
and kindness which is crucial when establishing new clientele. This will be the foundation of the
client/provider relationship. Once, as a counselor you are able to established rapport with the
client, I believe that you are able to maximized the results as a counselor while giving that person
the best care that they need . (Hook, Davis, Owen, & DeBlaere, 2017)
Value Differences
Once I get the opportunity to work in the private sector as a counselor, there is high
possibility that I may encounter clients that could possibly result in conflict and challenges that I
may come across. The following values I believe that will have this effect: simplicity, kindness,
and justice. As a military member early in my career I was very ignorant about military
members. In my mind I believed that all military members were outstanding citizens of society.
This took me by surprise after my first PCS. One day I hope that I get the opportunity to work
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MORAL FOUNDATIONS AND VALUE
with military members as a counselor but I would like to work in one of two agencies. The
Veteran’s Affair education and counseling program that will give me the opportunity to work
with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder veterans. The other agency is the Sexual Assault Program
Coordinator Office.
The following fictional scenario is about a married military member TSgt Abel, 36-years-
old, White, Heterosexual. He is a father of three. His 2 daughters age 9 and 7 and his son is 5.
TSgt Abel is currently under investigation with the Air Force Office of Special Infestations for
child sexual abuse. During his deployment while exercising an incoming mortar exploded very
close to his path. This explosion caused the member to be thrown into the T-Wall, he hit his head
causing him a Traumatic Brain Injury. It has been 5 years since this traumatic event. As the kids
got older they were saying things that didn’t make sense to his wife since his returned. During
that time, it was only his 2 daughters and they were 4 and 2. The oldest one started telling her
mommy things but she did not listen until they were older enough and unfortunately his wife
caught him in the doing. He was referred for counseling due to the stress of the investigation.
Collaborative Discussion
TSgt Abel: Hello, I am TSgt Abel, I have to attend weekly sessions due to my currently
investigation for Child Sexual Abuse.
Me: Hello TSgt Abel, I am glad that you are here, it seems that you are going through tough
times and this can cause you stress to your personal life. I should disclose that I’m a mandatory
reporter if you disclosed information concerning harm to self and harm to others. Also, I have to
disclose that due to your ongoing investigation this session will be recorded.
TSgt Abel: Understood. This is mandatory and I have to come here due to circumstances.
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MORAL FOUNDATIONS AND VALUE
Me: Great, let’s begin our session then. I understand the circumstances but How are you
handling the current situation?
TSgt Abel: It is very tough. I lost my wife and I hurt my own kids. Nothing is making sense at
this point.
Me: I’m sorry you feel that way. Are you thinking about harming yourself?
TSgt Abel: No, that is the last thing in my mind. I want to get help and the care I need.
Everything was fine until, I got injured in Afghanistan.
Me: What exactly happened while you were deployed?
TSgt Abel: I was out running in the perimeter road like I normally do. This time was different I
heard a whistle and it all happened to quickly. Next, thing I know I’m being transported in a
Helicopter to Landstuhl Hospital in Germany.
Me: I understand that you got a concussion which resulted in a TBI. Did you see a counselor
before this event unfolded?
TSgt Abel: No, I tried to cope with the TBI as best as I could. This resulted in me getting very
angry and I did thing that I did not I was capable of doing. I hurt my kids and my wife. They will
never be able to forgive me. They are not going to understand that I’m sick and I need help.
Me: I think that as long that you are seeking the help that you need, they will be able to forgive
you. It will take time, keep a positive mindset.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, after taking the Moral Foundation Questionnaire and obtaining my results.
It was evident that as a Liberal mindset, I value the foundations Harm/Care and
Fairness/Respect. This is not surprising to me because two of my important traits that I posed are
kindness and compassion. Also, after reflecting myself and determine what values will create
conflict as counselor I determined that the three that will cause conflict will be justice, kindness
and simplicity.
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References
Hook, J., Davis, D., Owen, J., & DeBlaere, C. (2017). Cultural Humility Engaging Diverse
Identities in Therapy. American Psychological Association.
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