Work

The Conscience as a Regulatory Function

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines an emotion-based theory of the conscience, which provides forensic practitioners tools for assessing the state of the conscience. It is operationalized as an emotion-regulating function, making use of empathy, self-conscious emotions, such as shame, pride or guilt, and moral judgment. This was put to test in a questionnaire survey with 59 delinquent and 275 non-delinquent juveniles. As was hypothesized, the functioning of the conscience of these groups differed, with offenders having lower levels of some aspects of empathic capacity, being less prone to experiencing shame and guilt, being more prone to experiencing pride, and being more punishment oriented than victim oriented. The research confirmed that operationalization of the conscience in terms of empathy, self-conscious emotions, and moral orientation is feasible.

Source: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology

DOI: 10.1177/0306624x14561830

Authors: Frans Schalkwijk, Geert Jan Stams, Hedy Stegge, Jack Dekker, Jaap Peen

Institutions: University of Amsterdam, Waag Futurelab, Arkin, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Emotions and Moral Behavior

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W1992437851

FWCI: 2.306

Cites: 60

Cited by: 50

Related to: 10