Abstract

SIQUEIRA, Felipe Queiroz  and  FREITAS, Lia Beatriz de Lucca. Development of the relations between humility and gratitude in childhood. Estud. pesqui. psicol. [online]. 2016, vol.16, n.3, pp. 854-872. ISSN 1808-4281.

This study examined whether the relations between gratitude and humility develop over childhood. Twenty-eight children, divided into three age groups (6, 9 and 12 years old), participated in this research. We used two vignettes: in one of them, the benefactor was humble; in the other one, the benefactor was not humble. Each story was followed by a semi-structured interview. The feeling of obligation to return a favor showed variations depending on the type of benefactor (humble or non-humble). There was a greater tendency for older children to take into account the benefactor's humility and lack of humility, in their justifications, when compared to younger children. When the differences between the vignettes were made explicit, the frequency of justifications that mentioned the benefactor's lack of humility increased in all ages and the theme of generosity appeared. Results showed that the relations between gratitude and humility develop over childhood. These findings raise questions about the creation of educational programs for children, especially the ones related to virtues.

Keywords : development; morality; virtues; humility; gratitude.

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