Iranian Educational Psychology Association Iranian Journal of Learning and Memory 2645-5447 8 30 2025 06 01 Modeling rational decision-making based on executive functions with the mediating role of moral judgment in adolescents 1 11 239762 10.22034/iepa.2026.560200.1556 EN Kamran Sheyvandi Cholicheh Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Allameh Tabataba&#039;i. University, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0003-3427-4627 Journal Article 2025 11 24 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.<br><br>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 2024–2025 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-24 software.<br><br>The findings indicated that executive functions directly predicted rational decision-making (β = 0.17, p < 0.05). Moreover, moral judgment played a mediating role in this relationship (β = 0.308, p < 0.002). 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. https://journal.iepa.ir/article_239762_7c4e5f5a1f1c99b281a31ab4f47dc6dd.pdf