THE IMPACT OF MORAL SELF-CONCEPT ON HEALTH IN ADOLESCENTS

Moral self-concept is an essential dimension of adolescent psychological development. It reflects the individual’s internalized moral values, moral identity, and self-evaluations in ethical domains. In adolescence, moral self-concept emerges as both a component of self-awareness and a regulator of behavior, influencing social interaction, emotional regulation, and lifestyle choices affecting health outcomes. Numerous studies demonstrate that adolescents with well-developed moral self-concept tend to exhibit healthier behaviors, better stress coping skills, greater psychological resilience, and lower engagement in risk behaviors. However, the mechanisms through which moral self-concept affects physical, psychological, and social health are complex and mediated by family influence, social context, and cultural norms. This theoretical article synthesizes perspectives from Uzbek, CIS, and foreign scholars (2010–2025), exploring conceptual frameworks, developmental pathways, and health implications of moral self-concept in adolescence. It further highlights the importance of holistic models integrating moral psychology and health sciences. Key theoretical findings suggest that promoting moral self-development in adolescence serves not only ethical and social objectives but also contributes positively to adolescent health outcomes.