Citation

Chong, Chin Wei and Abdelfattah, Fadi and Teoh, Wendy Ming Yen and Ojo, Adedapo Oluwaseyi (2026) Exploring moral disengagement in meat consumption among Malaysian youth – A cross-sectional study. Appetite, 220. p. 108439. ISSN 0195-6663

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Abstract

This study explores the moral disengagement with its five sub-dimensions and investigate the influence of animal ethics and environmental concern on moral disengagement in the context of adoption of plant-based diet among Malaysian youth. A cross-sectional survey involving 341 students from ten Malaysian universities was conducted using a structured questionnaire based on established scales for animal ethics, environmental awareness, intention to adopt plant-based diet and the five dimensions of moral disengagement, i.e. means-ends justifications, desensitization, denial of negative consequences, diffused responsibility, and reduced perceived choice. The findings indicate relatively low ethical concern regarding animal ethics and low-to-moderate environmental awareness concerning meat consumption as well as intention to adopt a plant-based diet. Moral disengagement was indicated as moderate-to-high with means-ends justification reported as the highest dimension, followed by diffused responsibility and desensitization. Animal ethics and environmental concerns are negatively related with moral disengagement and there is a significant negative relationship between moral disengagement with the intention to adopt plant-based diet. By identifying the psychological barriers to dietary change, this study helps design more effective strategies to promote plant-based diets and sustainability, thereby contributing to ethical food consumption and environmental protection.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Moral disengagement, Meat consumption, Plant-based diet Animal ethics, Environmental awareness
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > HM711-806 Groups and organizations
Divisions:	Faculty of Management (FOM)
Depositing User:	Ms Suzilawati Abu Samah
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2026 02:22
Last Modified:	02 Mar 2026 02:23
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/15405

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