Moral Emotions

Abstract

This article reviews current theory and research on moral emotions with a particular focus on the development of moral emotions in childhood and adolescence. The development of moral emotions is central to theories and research on morality and social-emotional development. After providing definitions and outlining a key theoretical model of moral emotions, the major studies addressing the development of the various moral emotions, as well as the relations to human social behavior such as aggression and prosociality, are reviewed. Finally, educational practices aimed at enhancing the development of moral emotions are highlighted and examples of best-practice approaches are reviewed.