Abstract:

The present study investigated the extent of academic cheating behaviors among adolescents, as well as the role of Machiavellianism and moral disengagement in the manifestation of these behaviors. The study involved 341 adolescents (165 girls, 176 boys), who attended junior high schools in Thessaloniki and Athens (Greece). Students completed a set of self-reported questionnaires, which included a scale on cheating behaviors adapted to adolescents (Newstead et al., 1996), a scale on Machiavellianism (Kiddie Mach scale; Christie & Geis, 1970), as well as a scale on moral disengagement (Moral Disengagement Scale - MDS; Detert et al., 2008). According to the results, junior high school students performed academic behaviors, Machiavellianism (especially manipulation and distrust), and moral disengagement to a great extent. Furthermore, students’ Machiavellianism (manipulation and distrust) and moral disengagement proved statistically significant positive predictive factors for their cheating behaviors in the academic context. Additionally, students’ gender proved a statistically insignificant differentiator for their academic cheating behaviors, as both boys and girls seemed to manifest these behaviors approximately to the same extent. Considering the long-term implementation of distance education during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, it could be expected the reported academic cheating behaviors after the return to face to face learning. The findings highlight the need to implement psychological interventions by school/educational psychologists to change adolescents’ possible maladaptive perspective regarding interpersonal relationships and ethical behaviors generally. This could act as a protective filter against adolescents’ cheating behaviors at school.

Keywords:

Academic cheating behaviors, Machiavellianism, moral disengagement, junior high school students.