Suchergebnisse

Themes in the papers in this special issue of the JRA on moral development are identified. We discuss the intersection of moral development research with policy concerns, the distinctive qualities of moral life in adolescence that warrant investigation, the multiple connotations of "moral," the methods typical of moral development research, and the influences that shape adolescent moral development. Suggestions are made for new methods and new directions in the study of moral development.

This article provides a selective review of research on moral development in adolescence during the past decade. We begin with introducing key concepts and reviewing critical theoretical advances in the field of adolescent moral development. This includes integrative models to the developmental study of morality and dynamic socialization models of moral development. Next, related major empirical findings are presented on moral emotion–behavior links, morality in intergroup contexts, and the socialization of moral development. Next, methodological innovations are presented, including new techniques to assess and analyze moral emotions and moral behaviors. We conclude by pointing to promising future directions for moral development research and practices aimed at promoting ethical growth and civic responsibility in adolescents around the globe.

In observing the "conflict & apathy potential of youths" it is posited that study of moral development & ego identity will reveal deeper-lying links to explain these types of behavior tendencies. The "normative implications of the fundamental concepts of (critical social) theory" are addressed with special reference to the writings of T. W. Adorno & H. Marcuse & the point at which both theorists, through oversight, transgress correct application of critical social theory. A dialectical concept of ego-identity is analyzed with reference to developmental problems as treated by several theoretical schools of thought: analytical ego-psychology, cognitive developmental psychology, & symbolic interaction. 6 basic concepts common to all are described, & the lack of presentation of a proper theory of development is noted. Cognitive moral consciousness, as a central aspect of ego development, is analyzed with reference to L. Kohlberg's 6 stages of moral consciousness, & proof is offered that "the descriptive sequence of moral types represents a nexus of developmental logic." Role competency is described in 3 dimensions & role action is analyzed in the context of communication mechanisms. C. Grindle.