Stages of Moral Development

Stage 1 Avoiding punishment (the most basic stage of moral development often found in young children).

·         Stage 2 Serving self-interest (a dangerous stage to be stuck in morally, where the focus is “What’s in it for me?” and moral decisions are based on “What can I get out of it?”)

·         Stage 3 Seeking approval from others (the stage usually occurring on one’s teens in which one behaves morally to live up to the expectations of others).

·         Stage 4 Following authority (someone in this stage does as told and follows the rules).

·         Stage 5 Respect for social order (in this stage of moral development, one’s behavior is driven by the desire to maintain social order and avoid chaos in society).

·         Stage 6 Universal ethical principles (in this highest stage of moral development one is guided by conscience according to universal moral principles).