A Study on Primary School Students’ Sense of Belonging to Ethical Values and Ethical Value Anxiety İlkokul Öğrencilerinin Etik Değerlere Yönelik Aidiyet Duyguları ve Etik Değer Kaygıları Üzerine Bir Araştırma

This study aims to explore the sense of ethical belonging among students in the basic education period, particularly regarding their orientation toward ethical values and any ethical value-related concerns they may exhibit. Additionally, the findings are expected to inform and support moral and ethical values education by identifying students’ levels of anxiety related to ethical values as well as their predispositions toward such values. A mixed-method research design was employed, utilizing an exploratory sequential approach. Quantitative data were collected first, followed by qualitative data, which served to explain further and support the initial findings. According to the analysis based on the variable of mothers’ age, no significant differences were found in the sub-dimensions of love-respect, justice, friendship-honesty, and patience among primary school students. However, significant differences emerged in the total scale score and the sub-dimensions of self-control, responsibility, helpfulness, and patriotism. Regarding fathers’ age, a significant difference was observed in the justice sub-dimension. Among the ethical values assessed, the most frequently selected by students fell under the “love/respect” sub-dimension, with love emerging as the most prominent theme. This preference is believed to stem from the perception of love as a fundamental human need. Furthermore, it was observed that students closely associate their academic responsibilities, such as homework, with the broader concept of responsibility during the basic education period.