Kohlberg Theory of

Moral Development

Developmental Psychology

• Study of how children develop a set of values or principles regarding correct, appropriate or good behavior.

Laurence Kohlberg

• Proposed one of the widely acceptable explanations about development of morality.

Level 1 (Preconventional Morality)

• Children judgments are based in external criteria. Standards of right and wrong are absolute and laid down by authority.

•Stage 1: Behavior are based on the desire to avoid severe physical punishments by a superior power.

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• Judgment about what is right or wrong is based on consequences to him. If an act incurs punishment, then it is wrong.

Level 2 (Conventional Morality)

• Children judgment are based on the norms and expectations of the group.•Stage 2: Actions are based largely on satisfying one’s own personal needs. The child will help someone else, if that person will help him in return.

• Stage 3: Good behavior is that which pleases others and judgement are based on intensions . Children conform to rules to win approval of others to maintain good relationship.

• Stage 3: Good behavior is that which pleases others and judgment are based on intensions . Children conform to rules to win approval of others to maintain good relationship.

• Stage 4: What is right is what accepted. If the social groups accept rules as appropriate for all members, children will conform to them to avoid social disapproval or censure.

Level 3 (Post Conventional Morality

• The individual recognizes arbitrariness of social and legal conventions, the individual attempts to define moral values that are separate from norms groups.

• Stage 5: Behavior recognizes the laws as arbitrary and changeable. For aspects of life not govern by laws, right and wrong are personal decisions based on the agreements and contract.

–Stage 6: Morality is based on respect for others rather than on personal desires. The individual conforms to both social standards and to internalized ideals to avoid self condemnation rather than avoid social censure.

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