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Dr. Sol Pound

Stages of Moral Development in Childhood

Did you know that one of the first major theories of moral development, proposed by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg in the 1980s, focused on justice reasoning? He outlined three stages:


1. Pre-conventional Stage (ages 2-7): Kids make decisions based on avoiding punishment or getting rewards. “If I clean up, I get a treat!”


2. Conventional Stage (ages 7-12): Children start to care about following rules and gaining approval. “Being good means following the rules!”


3. Post-conventional Stage (teens and beyond): Older kids and teens begin to think about fairness and justice. “What’s right isn’t always what’s popular!”


Since then, other theories have emerged, adding empathy, care, and relationships as key aspects of moral development. Can you see these stages reflected in the children and youth in your life?

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