Synthesizing decades of influential research and theory, Michael Lewis
demonstrates the centrality of consciousness for emotional development.
At first, infants' competencies constitute innate reactions to
particular physical events in the child's world. These "action patterns"
are not learned, but are readily influenced by temperament and social
interactions. With the rise of consciousness, these early competencies
become reflected feelings, giving rise to the self-conscious emotions of
empathy, envy, and embarrassment, and, later, shame, guilt, and pride.
Focusing on typically developing children, Lewis also explores problems
of atypical emotional development.
Winner/m-/William James Book Award, Society for General Psychology (APA
Division 1)