The Self as a Moral Basis: Do Our Own Patterns of Behavior Affect our Moral Attributions?

To determine which actions are morally acceptable, psychologists typically focus on decision making within existing moral paradigms. However, this fails to comment upon individual and social processes, such as attribution, that determine morality. To address these processes, this study had participants respond to morally-charged scenarios by rating the immorality of an actor who did not tip a waiter (n = 125), was partial to infidelity (n = 128), and texted while driving (n = 128). Participants also completed an empathy measure, and provided their own frequency of engaging in certain behaviors, including those featured in the scenarios. Immorality ratings were compared to the participants’ own frequency of the scenario action (hypothesized to lower ratings), as well as empathy and outcome severity (both hypothesized to increase ratings). Findings were assessed in three regressions, one per scenario. Behavioral similarity predicted immorality ratings in each (p ≤ .03), empathy predicted ratings only for not tipping a waiter (p = .04), while outcome severity was un-predictive in each scenario. Theoretical implications, directions for future research, and limitations of the study are discussed.

The development of a self-directed learning module for rural emergency nurses on pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis

Background: Newfoundland and Labrador has a high incidence of type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of type 1 diabetes. A clinical practice guideline was developed for the treatment of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) to standardize care in all Emergency Departments and improve patient outcomes. Rural emergency nurses are requires to maintain their competency and acquire new knowledge as stated by the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARNNL). Purpose: The purpose of this practicum was to develop a self-learning module for rural emergency nurses to increase their knowledge and understanding of the clinical practise guideline to assess, treat, and prevent pediatric ketoacidosis. Methods: Two methodologies were used in this practicum. A review of the literature and consultations with key stakeholders were completed. Results: The self-learning module created was composed of three units and focused on the learning needs of rural emergency nurses in the areas of assessment, treatment, and prevention of pediatric DKA. Conclusion: The goal of the practicum was to increase rural emergency nurses’ knowledge and implementation of the clinical practice guideline when assessing and treating children and families experiencing DKA to improve patient outcomes. A planned evaluation of the self-learning module will be conducted following dissemination of the module throughout the rural Emergency Departments.