Conceptualization of conscience in normal children and adolescents, ages 5 to 17

J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1991 Jan;30(1):16-21. doi: 10.1097/00004583-199101000-00003.

Abstract

In order to determine how normal children and adolescents conceptualize their conscience, the Stilwell Conscience Interview was given to 125 normal subjects between the ages of 5 and 17. Responses to questions 1, 2 and 11 (including the drawing of conscience) were empirically analyzed, resulting in a five-stage developmental model. The responses were then randomly presented to two blinded raters to assign them to one of the five stages. Highly acceptable interrater reliability was found, Kappa = 0.90. The relationship of age to stage demonstrated a highly significant positive correlation, indicating that the conceptualization of conscience in normal development follows an invariant, hierarchical pattern of organization. A commentary regarding each stage is presented. The value of this conceptualization model as a comparative standard of normality in the clinical assessment of youngsters suffering from psychopathology is discussed relative to assessment, psychotherapy, and future research.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Concept Formation*
  • Conscience*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Morals*
  • Personality Development*
  • Personality Inventory