Moral anxiety refers to the internal conflict or distress that arises when a person faces a moral dilemma or finds themselves in a situation where their moral principles or values are being challenged. It occurs when individuals are unsure about the right course of action or feel torn between different ethical considerations.
Here's an example of moral anxiety:
Imagine a person named Alex, who is working for a large corporation. One day, Alex discovers that the company is engaged in unethical practices, such as exploiting child labor in its supply chain to cut costs. Alex is deeply committed to principles of fairness, social justice, and protecting vulnerable individuals, including children. However, Alex also depends on this job to support their family and has built a successful career within the company.
In this situation, Alex experiences moral anxiety. On one hand, quitting the job and exposing the company's unethical practices aligns with their moral values and desire to protect children's rights. On the other hand, leaving the job would have significant financial implications for their family and could jeopardize their career.
The conflict between upholding personal moral values and fulfilling practical obligations creates a sense of moral anxiety for Alex. This internal struggle may cause distress, guilt, and ethical dilemmas as they try to navigate the right path forward.