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
Preconventional - reason according to the self perspective
Conventional - reasoning based on social rules and norms
Postconventional - use the principle behind the social norm to direct their behavior.
Stages
Obedience and Punishment Orientation
Individualism and Exchange
Good Interpersonal Relationships
Maintaining the Social Order
Social Contract and Individual Rights
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
Smeltzer SC, & Bare BG. (2004). Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing. 10th edition. (Edrs). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Psychiatry, Third Edition. Edited by Allan Tasman, Jerald Kay, Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Michael B. First and Mario Maj. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2008.
Source : http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Theory_of_Moral_Development.html
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
Preconventional - reason according to the self perspective
Conventional - reasoning based on social rules and norms
Postconventional - use the principle behind the social norm to direct their behavior.
Stages
Obedience and Punishment Orientation
Individualism and Exchange
Good Interpersonal Relationships
Maintaining the Social Order
Social Contract and Individual Rights
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
Smeltzer SC, & Bare BG. (2004). Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing. 10th edition. (Edrs). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Psychiatry, Third Edition. Edited by Allan Tasman, Jerald Kay, Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Michael B. First and Mario Maj. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2008.
Source : http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Theory_of_Moral_Development.html
