Theories of Moral Development

Introduction

• Lawrence Kohlberg (1927-1987) devised a theory in which he explained s six stages of moral development divided into three levels.
• Morality is the system one uses to decide what is right and wrong; how one’s conscience affects choices. 
• Moral development refers to the capacity of the individual to act in accord with conscience and moral imperatives rather than egocentric values.
• Kholberg defines moral judjments "as judgments of value, as social judgments, and as judgments that oblige an individual to take action.”
• He was inspired by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget and the American philosopher John Dewey.

Moral development accross life span

• By the second year of life, “moral emotions” are emerged.
• By 36 months, most children demonstrate the internalization of parental standards.
• During the school years, the importance of rules and adhering to them become well defi ned.
• Moral dvelopment after adolescent period is complex and influenced by social factors.

Kohlberg's Theory

• Kohlberg explained three levels of reasoning and six stages of moral development . Each level has two stages that represent different degrees of sophistication in moral reasoning.
• Three levels of reasoning
  1. Preconventional - reason according to the self perspective
  2. Conventional - reasoning based on social rules and norms
  3. Postconventional - use the principle behind the social norm to direct their behavior.
•  Stages

1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation
2. Individualism and Exchange
3. Good Interpersonal Relationships
4. Maintaining the Social Order
5. Social Contract and Individual Rights
6. Universal Principles

• The first two stages have preconventional level of morality.
• During stage 3 and 4, child shows conventional level of morality.
• Postconventional level of resoning is observed during stage 5 and 6.

Conclusion

• Parents influence the moral development of their children.
• Kolberg's theory explained moral development in a philosophical and psychological context.

References

1. Smeltzer SC, & Bare BG. (2004). Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing. 10th edition. (Edrs). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
2. Psychiatry, Third Edition. Edited by Allan Tasman, Jerald Kay, Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Michael B. First and Mario Maj. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2008.