Examined changes in prosocial moral reasoning and gender differences in prosocial reasoning over 15 years. Found that hedonistic reasoning declined and then increased somewhat; needs-oriented and stereotypic reasoning increased and then declined with age. Direct reciprocity and approval reasoning showed no decline into early adulthood, contrary to…

Argues that effective sociomoral group treatment programs must not only motivate but also remedy the limitations of antisocial youth who would help one another change. Proposes a program with program implementation, outcome evidence, and a plea for program evaluation. (CFR)

Found that early adolescents use various models to make moral decisions. These include care (wishing others not to suffer), justice (decisions made according to principles), and narrowly concerned or selfish. Males and females used all three modes, with males being more likely to choose the narrowly concerned mode. (RJM)

Examines religious and moral curricula in "5-14," a national primary-secondary curriculum model in Scotland. Faults moral curriculum for ambiguous description of universal values and terminology that fails to establish objective moral framework apart from "common" or personal judgement. Religious curricula faulted for…

Argues that liberalism is strong enough to sustain a moral consensus if its logic and psychological bases are understood. Rejects ideological positions, emphasizing the value of rational discourse for reaching consensus. Encourages liberal educators to make clear their commitment to a liberalism that avoids both authoritarianism and paranoia. (CH)

Examined the emotional reactions of toddlers to two mishaps. Children's reactions varied along two dimensions: tension and frustration and concerned reparation. Mishaps elicited more negative emotions than did free play, and most toddlers attempted to correct the mishap. Findings indicate that children's styles of emotional response to mishaps may…

Reviews a book which describes the Sociomoral Reflection Measure-Short Form. Compares the test to that of Lawrence Kohlberg, pointing out benefits and drawbacks of the test, and concludes the test represents a notable advance in the measurement of Kohlberg's first four stages of moral development. (TM)

Responds to the article by Kevin Ryan appearing in this issue recommending moral values education in the schools. This paper recommends that moral education avoid indoctrination of students and that moral questioning occur in an atmosphere of open discussion of alternatives so students understand they do not have to choose between hard work and…

A "Guide to Listening" to the ways people describe their experiences is outlined. The literary, clinical, and feminist dimensions of the method used in the "Guide to Listening" are discussed. A case study of a 12-year-old girl illustrates the method. (LB)

First, acknowledges Piaget's, Kohlberg's, and Freud's perspectives on moral development. Then reviews more recent research indicating that moral understanding emerges during the first few years of life through children's developing understanding of the standards and rules of their social world and their growing understanding of others' feelings.…

Analysis of scholastic test information and scores on the Defining Issues Test (DIT) of moral judgment for 122 eighth graders found a wide variation in DIT scores among high cognitive ability subjects, but no high scores among low ability subjects, suggesting that high cognitive ability is necessary but not sufficient for high moral judgment. (DB)

Describes the development of religious judgment in terms of five developmental stages. Discusses (1) studies of the developmental model of religious judgment; (2) studies of conditions underlying religious development; (3) cross-cultural studies; and (4) studies comparing religious judgment and other domains of development. (Author/BB)

Discusses importance of symbolic value in teaching. States that students will value something if they perceive the institution values it through a serious commitment of time and resources. Supports the Personal, Social, and Moral Education (PSME) programs in English schools. Focuses on the concept of citizenship by teaching critical thinking. (NL)

Explores the meaning of distributive justice and considers the importance of teaching the concept in social studies classes. Delineates characteristics of reasonable arguments for treating people differently to bring about justice. Presents situations to generate classroom discussion of the concept of justice. (NL)

Discusses Kurt Hahn (1886-1974), German-born educator emphasizing moral virtue, community service, "Samaritan ethic," and mental-physical balance. Describes life in pre-World War II Germany, founding of British educational programs: Gordonstoun, Outward Bound, United World Colleges. Examines Hahn's influences and educational themes…