Towards the Development of an Internalized Conscience

Given that antisocial behavior and conduct disorder are inversely related to internalized conscience development, how conscience develops is an important subject of theoretical investigation for the human service professions. Contributions to theory development have been made from psychoanalytic, psychosocial, cognitive, ego development, and social learning perspectives. Conscience development, which includes ethical and moral development, requires some degree of intellectual development. The growth of conscience involves the gradual increase in impulse control, the incorporation of parental moral standards, the development of shame and guilt, the learning of the consciousness and practice of rules, and the maturation of the sense of justice.