Modeling rational decision-making based on executive functions with the mediating role of moral judgment in adolescents

The aim of the present study was to examine the role of executive functions in predicting rational decision-making among adolescents, with the mediating role of moral judgment. Rational decision-making, as one of the key functions of cognitive development during adolescence, plays a fundamental role in individual, social, and academic adjustment. Given that adolescence is accompanied by extensive biological, cognitive, and emotional changes, understanding the underlying factors influencing rational decision-making is of particular importance.The present study employed a quantitative, correlational research design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of first-grade secondary school students in Yazd during the ۲۰۲۴–۲۰۲۵ academic year, from whom a cluster-random sample was selected. Research instruments included the General Decision-Making Styles Questionnaire (GDMS), the Cognitive Functions Questionnaire (Nejati), and Rest’s Moral Judgment Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using AMOS-۲۴ software.The findings indicated that executive functions directly predicted rational decision-making (β = ۰.۱۷, p < ۰.۰۵). Moreover, moral judgment played a mediating role in this relationship (β = ۰.۳۰۸, p < ۰.۰۰۲). In other words, adolescents with higher executive functioning also demonstrated better moral judgment, which in turn enhanced the quality of their rational decision-making. The results highlight the importance of integrating cognitive and moral processes and can provide a foundation for designing educational and counseling interventions aimed at improving adolescents’ decision-making skills.

کلیدواژه ها:

rational decision-making ، Executive Functions ، Moral Judgment ، adolescence