The nature, variety, and social patterning of moral responses to transgression.

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Abstract
Reactions to transgression in children was assessed through analysis of a story completion test given to 6th graders. The to-be-completed stories related themes of acts of aggression by children against others which would usually be unacceptable to society. Stories were categorized re: degree of reliance on self or other as source of control. Mother's method of discipline was obtained through interview; the disciplinary methods were divided into the more physically punitive (hitting, yelling at) and the more psychological (withdrawal of love, explanation, etc.) Results demonstrated that in general 'moral behavior' was a function of anticipated external punishment. Self-criticism was viewed as an instrumental response related to such anticipation. Differences re: determinants of moral attitudes and consequent reliance on self or other were found in terms of socioeconomic level. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

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