The shaping role of early maladaptive schemas in the effect of moral development level on sexual harassment tendency

The primary aim of this study is to examine the impact of moral development levels on adult males' tendencies toward sexual harassment, as well as to explore the moderating role of early maladaptive schemas in this relationship. Data were collected online from 403 male participants aged 18–65 residing in Turkey through self-report measures. Participants were thoroughly informed about the purpose and scope of the study, and informed consent was obtained in accordance with ethical standards. The instruments employed in this study included the Moral Maturity Scale, the Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form-3 (YSQ-SF3), and the Propensity to Engage in Sexual Harassment Scale. Analyses were conducted using complete and reliable datasets. The results demonstrated that higher levels of moral development significantly and negatively predicted tendencies toward sexual harassment. Additionally, early maladaptive schemas were found to moderate this relationship. In particular, schema domains such as social isolation, emotional deprivation, and unrelenting standards played a critical role in this dynamic. These findings align with Kohlberg's moral development theory and Young's schema therapy framework, highlighting the influence of developmental processes and cognitive schemas on social behavior. Overall, the results contribute to the understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying tendencies toward sexual harassment. The findings underscore the importance of psychoeducational interventions that promote moral development, as well as therapeutic approaches targeting maladaptive schemas. However, the exclusive focus on male participants in this study suggests the need for further research that includes different genders and socio-cultural contexts. Ultimately, this research provides a multidimensional perspective on the factors contributing to sexual harassment tendencies, offering valuable insights for both the psychological literature and the development of effective prevention programs.