Relationship Between Moral and Emotional Development

Emotional and moral development happen hand in hand throughout a series of stages that are highly influenced by relationships, laws, norms and expectations. Through interactions with others, children experience emotional responses to learning opportunities that serve as a guide for future moral behavior.

Trust and Mistrust

In early development, emotional security is based on a trust of the parent in meeting basic needs--this validation supports self-esteem and further emotional development.

Shame and Guilt

Upon entering a phase of obedience to parent rules and societal authority, children begin to understand shame and guilt as emotional consequences for noncompliant behavior, and pride for cooperative behavior.

Perspective-Taking

The self-centered behavior of childhood develops into an understanding of others' perspectives, which helps build the emotional knowledge related to empathy and sympathy.

Social Problem-Solving

As children create emotional connections with others, they face the moral challenge of reaching a social compromise where both parties needs are validated.

Personal Responsibility

Children learn that rules are designed to maintain order and begin to exercise autonomy through emotion-based decisions in relation to social authority.

Value Formation

Through experiences, emotional responses and validation from others, children understand right and wrong, exceptions and identify values that shape personal principles.

References

• Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
• Prentice Hall Education Materials