In the context of joint decision-making, we investigated whether preschoolers alter informativeness their justifications depending on common ground that they share with partner. Pairs 3- and 5-year-olds (N = 146) were introduced to a novel animal unique characteristics (e.g., eating rocks). condition, children learned about together. one-expert one it, other was naïve. two-experts it separately. Later, pairs had decide together 3 items might need. Both age groups referred in more 2...

Identifying the underlying psychological and social factors of distancing is crucial to foster preventive behavior during a pandemic effectively. We investigated relative contribution self-focused (fear infection, fear punishment) other-focused (moral judgment, moral identity, empathy for unspecific others, loved ones) in an online study Germany (N = 246) while COVID-19 was climaxing. Importantly, other-oriented were related beyond self-oriented factors. Moral judgment ones remained dominant...

Children encounter moral norms in several different social contexts. Often it is hierarchically structured interactions with parents or other adults, but sometimes more symmetrically peers. Our question was whether children's discussions of differ these two Consequently, we had 4- and 6-year-old children (N = 72) reason about dilemmas their mothers Both age groups opposed partner's views explicitly justified own often peers than mothers. Mothers adapted to the cognitive levels (e.g., focused...

Moral justifications work, when they do, by invoking values that are shared in the common ground of interlocutors. We asked 3- and 5-year-old peer dyads (N = 144) to identify punish norm transgressors. In moral condition, transgressor violated a (e.g., stealing); social rules she/he context-specific rule placing yellow toy green box, instead box). Children both age groups justified their punishment condition mostly referring "He must put toys box"). contrast, simply observed fact stole"),...

The moral self-concept (MSC) is an early indicator of how children view themselves as agents. It has been proposed that important feature established (SC) sufficient coherency in one views oneself. Furthermore, the MSC expected to develop into a multidimensional, hierarchical construct which stable over time. Investigating these theoretical hypotheses, this study aims take three aspects account get deeper insight when and first emerges: emergence coherency, stability, differentiated...

Moral reasoning is a central aspect of morality, and its acquisition therefore moral development. Children acquire norms through social interactions with others. Yet, the process that subserves appreciation remains vastly understudied. In this article we present theoretical framework on nature development conceives human morality in terms communication. Following framework, argue for closer, systematic investigation children's complements predominant approach adult-led interviews examining...

There are sometimes legitimate reasons for breaking a promise when circumstances change. We investigated 3- and 5-year-old German children’s understanding of in prosocial (helping someone else) selfish (playing with conditions. In Study 1 (n = 80, 50% girls), preschoolers initially kept their own all When they eventually broke promise, 3-year-olds’ justifications mostly referenced salient events, whereas 5-year-olds also social norms. 2 65, 49% preferred others’ promise-breaking more than...