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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
07:37
Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
[Conscience development: a review of theory and research]
1Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatriecentra te Groningen. w.stapert@ru.nl
Tijdschrift Voor Psychiatrie
|July 13, 2010
Summary
Recent theories emphasize emotional attunement for healthy conscience development, contrasting with older models focused on control. These new insights aid understanding of normal and deviant conscience development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychiatry
Context:
- Growing interest in neuroscientific findings related to conscience development.
- Existing theories on conscience development are being re-evaluated for adequacy.
- Need for accessible theories for psychiatric discussion.
Purpose:
- To review and compare available theories on conscience development.
- To assess the adequacy of current theories in light of new findings.
- To facilitate discussion among psychiatrists regarding conscience development.
Summary:
- Analysis of nine theories on conscience development.
- Recent theories highlight the role of emotional attunement and inborn capacities.
- Classical theories emphasized restriction and control, differing from modern perspectives.
Impact:
- New theoretical approaches offer fresh insights into normal conscience development.
- Understanding deviant conscience development can be enhanced.
- Potential contributions to clinical practice in psychiatry.
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