EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENCE

Flashcards about Moral Development in Adolescence

Moral Development

The gradual formation of an individual’s concepts of right and wrong, conscience, ethical and religious values, social attitudes, and behaviors.

Kohlberg’s theory

Emphasizes that it is the way an individual reasons about moral dilemmas, not the content of response that determines moral maturity.

Highest stages of Kohlberg's theory

Moral reasoning and content come together in a coherent ethical system.

Identity development and moral understanding

Note, that identity development and moral understanding are part of the same individual process.

Preconventional Level

Morality is externally controlled and dominated by rules of authority figures.

Stage 1 – Obedience & Punishment Orientation

Fear of authority and avoidance of punishment.

Stage 2 – Instrumental Purpose Orientation

Awareness of different perspectives in moral dilemmas and right behavior based on self-interest and transactional exchanges.

Conventional Level

Conformity to social rules and maintaining the current social system of good human relationship and societal order.

Stage 3 – “Good person” orientation/ Morality of interpersonal cooperation

Social harmony in the context of close personal ties, affection and approval of friends, ideal reciprocity – concerned for the welfare of others as much as themselves.

Stage 4 – Social order maintaining orientation

Considers societal laws; moral choices no longer depend on close social ties; laws should be obeyed to maintain social order and cooperation among people.

Postconventional or Principled Level

Morality is based on abstract principles and values.

Stage 5 – Social contract orientation

Alternative to their own ideas of social order; participation in a system that brings good for people

Stage 6 – Universal ethical principles orientation

Self-chosen ethical principles of conscience that are valid for all humanity, regardless of law and social agreement; each person has worth and dignity.

Gender Differences in Moral Reasoning

Much conflicting research on gender and moral development, but females tend to emphasize care, or empathy in moral decision making.

Personality Influences on Moral Reasoning

Flexibility, open-mindedness, and exploration are linked to gains in moral reasoning.

Parenting Practices Influences on Moral Reasoning:

Authoritative approach; moral discussions, encourage prosocial behavior, treat others with respect and fairness, listening sensitively, and empathy.

Cultural Influences on Moral Reasoning

Individuals in industrialized nations move through Kohlberg’s stages more quickly and attain higher levels than individuals in village societies because moral cooperation is based on direct relationships between people, little need for abstract concepts of morality.

Moral Identity

The degree to which morality is central to self-concept; with maturity of later adolescence and early adulthood, moral identity and moral commitment become a part of an individual’s prosocial behavior.

Teenage Religious Involvement

Most teens share the religion of their parents or legal guardians.

Challenges to Kohlberg’s Theory

The most significant challenge to Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development comes from researchers who suggest that it does not account for the moral challenges of everyday life.

Pragmatic approach to morality

Focuses on everyday moral judgements, rather than efforts to seek just solutions.