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Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development pp 859–860Cite as

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

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Definition

Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development conceptualizes the sequential cognitive and developmental process of moral reasoning in children.

Description

Kohlberg’s theory was developed by presenting ethical and moral dilemmas to children in a short story format, followed by questions to elicit their feelings and decisions about the character’s actions. After studying the responses, he concluded there are three levels of moral development, each with two stages, as described below.

Level I: Preconventional Morality

In this initial level, children make decisions based on external consequences to their behavior, without consideration of the feelings of others. This level is typical of elementary school aged children.

  • Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation

    Decisions are rule based to avoid punishment. The physical consequences of an action determine if it is right or wrong.

  • Stage 2: Individualism, Instrumental Purpose, and Exchange

    Decisions are based on meeting one’s...

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References

  1. Kohlberg, L., & Kramer, R. (1969). Continuities and discontinuities in childhood and adult moral development. Human Development, 12, 83–120.

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  2. Kohlberg, L. (1976). Moral stages and moralization: The cognitive-developmental approach. In T. Lickona (Ed.), Moral development and behavior. New York: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rivier College, 420 South Main Street, Nashua, NH, USA

    Robert Walrath PsyD (Associate Professor of Education)

Authors
  1. Robert Walrath PsyD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert Walrath PsyD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neurology, Learning and Behavior Center, 230 South 500 East, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84102, USA

    Sam Goldstein Ph.D.

  2. Department of Psychology MS 2C6, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA

    Jack A. Naglieri Ph.D. (Professor of Psychology) (Professor of Psychology)

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© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Walrath, R. (2011). Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_1595

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