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LAWRENCE KOHLBERG’S development, there are two stages.

Similar to
STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT how Piaget believed that not all people reach
the highest levels of cognitive development,
BIOGRAPHY Kohlberg believed not everyone progresses
Lawrence Kohlberg to the highest stages of moral development.
Date of Birth: October 25, 1927
Place of Birth: Bronxville, New York, USA Levels of Age Stage
Moral included in
Kohlberg was born into a wealthy family. His development This level
father, Alfred Kohlberg, was a successful silk
merchant, and his mother, Charlotte Albrecht, Preconvention 0-9 Stage 1:
al Morality Obedience
was an amateur chemist. Despite the family's
and
financial success, Kohlberg's parents punishment
divorced when he was just 14, a factor that
may have influenced his interest in moral Stage 2:
reasoning and justice. Individualism
and
DEFINITION exchange
Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral Conventional Early Stage 3:
development, a comprehensive stage theory Morality Adolescen Developing
of moral development created by Lawrence ce to good
Kohlberg in 1958 based on Jean Piaget's Adulthood relationships
theory of moral judgment for children (1932).
Kohlberg's theory is cognitive in nature, Stage 4:
Maintaining
focusing on the thinking process that occurs
social order
when deciding whether a behavior is proper
or wrong. Thus, the theoretical emphasis is Postconventio Seome Stage 5:
on how one decides to respond to a moral nal Morality adults,rare Social
problem, rather than what one decides or Contracts
does. and
Individual
rights
Kohlberg's theory of moral development is a Stage 6:
theory that focuses on how children develop Universal
morality and moral reasoning. Kohlberg's Principles
theory suggests that moral development
occurs in a series of six stages and that
moral logic is primarily focused on seeking Level 1. Preconventional Morality
and maintaining justice. Preconventional morality is the earliest period
of moral development. It lasts until around
WHAT IS MORAL DEVELOPMENT? the age of 9. At this age, children's decisions
Moral development is the process by which are primarily shaped by the expectations of
people develop the distinction between right adults and the consequences of breaking the
and wrong (morality) and engage in rules. There are two stages within this level:
reasoning between the two (moral STAGE 1: Obedience and Punishment
reasoning). Orientation
Focus: Avoiding punishment
STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT - Moral reasoning is based on fear of
Kohlberg's theory is broken down into three authority and the consequences of
primary levels. At each level of moral disobedience.
- people at this stage see rules as fixed and - Moral decisions are based on an
absolute understanding of social contracts and a
- obeying the rules is important because it is recognition of the need for laws that benefit
a way to avoid punishment. the greater good.
STAGE 2: Individualism and Exchange - The ideas of a social contract and individual
Focus: Seeking personal gain rights cause people in the next stage to begin
- Moral reasoning is driven by self-interest, to account for the differing values, opinions,
and actions are evaluated based on the idea and beliefs of other people.
of reciprocity. - Rules of law are important for maintaining a
society, but members of the society should
- at this stage children account for individual agree upon these standards.
points of view and judge actions based on
how they serve individual needs. STAGE 6: Universal Principles
Focus: Guided by ethical principles
LEVEL 2.Conventional Morality - Moral reasoning is driven by universal
During this time, adolescents and adults ethical principles and a commitment to
internalize the moral standards they have justice, even if it conflicts with societal rules.
learned from their role models and from
society. METAPARADIGM
This period also focuses on the acceptance Person:
of authority and conforming to the norms of The individual is the primary unit of analysis
the group. There are two stages at this level in Kohlberg's theory. The phases of moral
of morality: development define an individual's cognitive
STAGE 3: Interpersonal Relationships and moral growth as they advance through
Focus: Conforming to social expectations various levels and stages.
- Moral decisions are influenced by the desire Environment:
to please others and maintain social In Kohlberg's theory, the environmental
harmony. component refers to the social and cultural
- Often referred to as the "good boy-good milieu that influences moral growth. Cultural
girl" orientation standards, society expectations, and
- this stage of the interpersonal relationship interpersonal interactions all influence an
of moral development is focused on living up individual's moral reasoning.
to social expectations and roles. Health:
STAGE 4: Maintaining Social Order "Health" can be figuratively tied to moral
Focus: Upholding social order and duty health or moral well-being in Kohlberg's
- moral reasoning is based on a sense of theory. Moving through the stages of moral
duty and obedience to authority, with an development is regarded as a desirable
understanding of the importance of element of psychological health, since it
maintaining societal order indicates a more nuanced and ethically
mature knowledge of moral dilemmas.
LEVEL 3. Postconventional Morality Nursing:
At this level of moral development, people The nursing or action component of
develop an understanding of abstract Kohlberg's approach involves the fostering of
principles of morality. The two stages at this moral development. This can be
level are: accomplished through educational
Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual procedures, moral reasoning conversations,
Rights and the creation of situations that promote
Focus: Balancing societal needs with ethical development. Teachers, parents, and
individual rights other major persons in a person's life can
help guide moral development.
ERIK ERIKSON’S THEORY OF Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy: 0-1
PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT year):
Outcome: If the caregiver provides
consistent and reliable care, the infant
INTRODUCTION develops a sense of trust in the world.
Erik Erikson was a German-American - A lack of trust may result in fear and a
developmental psychologist who proposed a general sense of mistrust.
theory of psychosocial development that
spanned the entire lifespan. Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
- He was born on June 15, 1902 in Karlsruhe (Early Childhood: 1-3 years)
Germany. Outcome: Successful navigation of this
- His theory, often referred to as Erikson's stage results in a sense of autonomy and the
stages of psychosocial development, outlines ability to make simple decisions.
eight stages, each characterized by a specific - Overprotection or criticism can lead to
psychosocial crisis or conflict that individuals feelings of shame and doubt in one's abilities.
must successfully navigate in order to
achieve healthy development. Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool: 3-6
- The theory emphasizes the importance of years):
social and cultural factors in shaping Outcome: Children who are encouraged in
personality and identity. their initiative and curiosity develop a sense
of purpose and the ability to plan.
Erikson's theory was based on what is known - Overly restrictive environments can lead to
as the epigenetic principle. This principle feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
suggests that people grow in a sequence that
occurs over time and in the context of a Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority
larger community. (Elementary School: 6-12 years):
Outcome: Successful development of skills
Conflict During Each Stage and competence in various areas results in a
Each stage in Erikson's theory builds on the sense of industry and accomplishment.
preceding stages and paves the way for - Failure to master tasks or constant criticism
following periods of development. In each can lead to feelings of inferiority.
stage, Erikson believed people experience a
conflict that serves as a turning point in Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion
development. (Adolescence: 12-18 years)
Outcome: Adolescents who explore and
form a clear sense of identity develop a
strong sense of self.
- Role confusion may occur if there is
difficulty in establishing a stable identity.

Stage 6:Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young


Adulthood: 18-40 years)
Outcome: Successful development of
intimate relationships leads to a sense of
connection and intimacy.
- Fear of commitment or social isolation may
result if one is unable to form meaningful
relationships.
Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation Environment:
(Middle Adulthood: 40-65 years) Erikson's theory of the environment refers to
Outcome: Contributing to society, mentoring the social and cultural context in which an
others, and raising the next generation leads individual develops. The support and
to a sense of generativity and influences of a person's family, community,
accomplishment. and larger society are critical in shaping how
- Stagnation may occur if one feels they progress through the psychosocial
unproductive or lacks a sense of purpose. stages.

Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair (Late Nursing:


Adulthood: 65+ years) In the context of nursing, the nurse's role is to
Outcome: Reflection on a life well-lived and provide support, guidance, and care to help
acceptance of one's accomplishments and individuals successfully navigate the
failures result in a sense of integrity and psychosocial stages. Nurses can help to
wisdom. create a supportive environment and assist
- Despair may occur if there are unresolved individuals in dealing with the challenges that
issues or a sense of regret about missed arise at each stage.
opportunities.

While Erikson's stages provide a general


structure, individuals may advance through
them at varying rates, and the consequences
are not fixed. Early stage resolution adds to
favorable results in later stages, yet issues in
one stage can still be addressed and
overcome in later life stages. Individuals may
also return to various stages throughout their
lifetimes, particularly at times of big life
changes or challenges.

METAPARADIGM
Person:
The "person" in Erikson's theory refers to the
individual as they advance through the
psychosocial phases of development. Each
stage includes a distinct psychological crisis
that the individual must overcome in order to
achieve healthy growth.

Health:
In nursing, the concept of health frequently
extends beyond the absence of illness to
include overall well-being. Erikson's theory
defines "health" as the successful resolution
of each psychosocial crisis, resulting in a
well-adjusted and emotionally healthy
individual.

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