Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development (ETHICS)

Kylie Dennis, PhD, LCSW will present on Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development.

Lawrence Kohlberg was an American psychologist who pioneered the study of moral development. Using a social constructivist approach that integrates nature and nurture, he conceptualized six stages of moral development in 1958 . His techniques for promoting progression from lower to higher developmental levels have been adopted in educational and clinical settings. This lecture and small group discussion will introduce the six stages and their usefulness in understanding and helping our clients with moral dilemmas.

Participants will be able to:

1. Explain Kohlberg’s theory of moral reasoning as a developmental constructive process that is the foundation of ethical behavior.

2. Describe the six stages of moral development and the process by which people progress to a higher stage.

3. Apply Kohlberg’s techniques in a clinical setting for the purpose of helping a client respond more effectively to moral dilemmas that occur in relationships and society.