A longitudinal study investigated developmental change in theory of mind among 57 children (ages 4-14) with autism. Theory of mind tests were administered on an initial visit and one year later. Data indicated significant developmental improvement in theory of mind ability, which was primarily related to the children's language ability. (Contains…

Reviews studies examining effects of professional education on ethical development. Argues that most studies limit assessment to measuring moral judgment. Validates assessment methods for sensitivity, reasoning, role concept, and ethical implementation that could be adapted to provide individuals with a more complete picture of abilities needed…

Weaves theoretical concepts of Maria Montessori and Edith Cobb to suggest that a moral, meaningful life is influenced by early contact with nature in which adults draw children's attention to its value. Suggests that nature is the prepared environment fostering cosmic harmony and asserts that educators should provide opportunities for early…

Treatment programs promote individual solutions to substance abuse through changing dysfunctional behavior and relying on spiritual beliefs and practices. Root problems are understood to be diseases within the person. However, the social conditions implicated in causing the addiction remain unaddressed. Questions whether social workers can bring…

Examines the Greek National Curriculum for kindergarten within a historical/cultural perspective. Considers social development accompanying formation of the modern Greek state, problems of kindergarten teacher education, and elements of causal significance in production of Greece's National Curriculum. Critically examines aspects of the…

Describes a residential- and day-treatment center that operates as a "Therapeutic Just Community" designed to support the moral development of girls with serious emotional disturbances. Students are involved in creating community, making rules, and developing self-discipline. Explores the moral meaning of misbehavior and describes discipline and…

Used a life-world theoretical perspective as basis for examining how moral values and norms are expressed in interaction between Swedish toddlers and their preschool teachers or caregivers. Found that teachers/caregivers related morality to children's emotional and cognitive ability; to children's feelings of empathy, guilt, and shame; and to…

Examines four problems associated with developing character in college students: two concerned with moral cognition, or knowing what is right, and two concerned with moral action. It then reviews educational programs concerned with moral action, and provides suggestions for designing character development strategies. (Author/TE)

Explores the question: Is there development in morality, in terms of improvement from one age level to the next, or is there simply change? Argues that the best way to approach moral education is to assume moral equality among children, adolescents, and adults and to strive for the improvement of society in general. (GG)

Traces the development of the capacity to make moral judgments. States that emotions involve judgments as well as actions. Discusses the susceptibility of moral beings to remorse and explores the nature of sympathy and resentment. (GG)

Claims that children's peer relations are significant in their social, cognitive, and moral development, and are correlated to later problems in social adjustment. Includes a brief historical perspective on the subject, and explores direct and indirect influences. Claims that peer relations develop within ecological frameworks, and identifies the…

Reviews the history of college-level programs for student moral development. Reports on an experimental faculty development program designed to enhance student moral judgment at a private church-related college. Finds positive changes in faculty and student attitudes and behaviors. (CFR)

Examines recent developments related to the teaching of values in public schools. Maintains that the character education movement supports direct teaching of a set of core values designed to foster civic virtue. Discusses the "six pillars of character" being promoted in the United States by the Character Education Partnership. (CFR)

Study explored leadership, cohesion, and demographic variables in relation to team norms about cheating and aggression. Surveys of high school and college ball players indicated that older age, higher year in school, and more years playing ball correlated positively with expectations of peer cheating and aggression. (SM)

Developmental changes and individual differences in children's conceptions of transgression were studied in 46 children from preschool through 1st grade. Differences in response to moral transgressions in kindergarten were related to mothers' control management and to siblings' friendly behavior in the preschool period, early understanding of…