Guilt and Children

Book excerpt: The concept of guilt has long been of interest to personality and clinical psychologists. Only recently has there been empirical research on how guilt develops in children and how it motivates behavior. Guilt and Children takes a fascinating look at the many facets of guilt in children. The book discusses gender differences, how feelings of guilt affect prosocial behavior, academic competence, sexual behavior, medical compliance, and general mental health. The book also includes coverage of theories of guilt and chapters on what children feel guilty about and how they cope with feelings of guilt. It also reviews useful assessment techniques. - Presents the many facets of guilt in children and its motivational value on behavior - Edited by the leading researcher in this growing area of study - Reviews useful assessment techniques for clinical psychologists