Ch. 13 Moral Development

Moral Reasoning

Acquiring standards of right and wrong behavior.

Piaget's Theory

Children judge behavior based on harm caused.

Moral Realism

Judgment based on established rules around age 5.

Constructivism

Children form moral ideas through discussions.

Kohlberg's Theory

Moral development through reasoning about dilemmas.

Preconventional Reasoning

Morality based on punishment and rewards.

Stage 1

Focus on punishment-avoidance and obedience.

Stage 2

Morality based on exchange of favors.

Conventional Reasoning

Morality based on societal norms and rules.

Stage 3

Good behavior defined by approval from others.

Stage 4

Morality based on law and order.

Postconventional Reasoning

Morality based on social contracts and ethics.

Stage 5

Social contract reflects mutual benefit.

Stage 6

Universal ethical principles guide moral reasoning.

Social Domain Theory

Children understand rules through everyday experiences.

Moral Transgressions

Actions violating human rights, deemed universally wrong.

Conventional Transgressions

Culturally specific actions, not inherently harmful.

Developmental Trends

Children develop moral understanding from early age.

Distributive Justice

Understanding fairness evolves from self to equality.

Internal Standards

Children develop concepts of right and wrong early.

Emotional Responses

Guilt, shame, empathy increase during childhood.

Parenting Influence

Parental discussions enhance children's moral development.

Peer Interactions

Moral lessons learned through sharing and cooperation.

Gender Differences

Girls more likely to experience empathy and guilt.

Religious Doctrine

Provides rationale for humane actions.

Promoting Moral Development

Encourage input on rules and discuss dilemmas.

Prosocial Behavior

Actions promoting well-being of others.

Aggression

Intent to harm another, can be physical or relational.

Development of Aggression

Physical aggression peaks between 20-22 months.

Reactive Aggression

Response to frustration or provocation.

Proactive Aggression

Deliberate initiation of aggressive behavior.

Bully Characteristics

Select targets; often previously victimized themselves.

Aggressive Social Cognition

Misinterpret cues and justify hurtful actions.

Parenting Styles

Authoritative parenting promotes prosocial behavior.

Cultural Influence

Culture shapes norms for compassion and aggression.

Safe School Environment

Three-tier model addresses gang-related problems.