# A nurse is assessing the moral development of a 15-year-old adolescent. According to Kohlberg's theory, which statement by the adolescent would indicate they are functioning at the postconventional level? > source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr) > url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=541737 > language: ko > subject: Growth & Development ## 문제 A nurse is assessing the moral development of a 15-year-old adolescent. According to Kohlberg's theory, which statement by the adolescent would indicate they are functioning at the postconventional level? ## 보기 1. "I don't steal because I might get caught and punished." 2. "I follow rules because they help create a fair society for everyone." 3. "I don't take things that aren't mine because good children follow the rules their parents teach them." 4. "I make my own decisions about right and wrong based on my personal values." **✔ 정답** **정답: 4** ## 해설 The child's statement reflects conventional Stage 3 reasoning, focusing on being a 'good' person and following parental rules. Option 1 shows preconventional reasoning, option 2 shows conventional Stage 4 reasoning, and option 4 shows postconventional reasoning. ## 심화 해설 Understanding Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development is a foundational concept for the NCLEX-RN, particularly in pediatric and psychiatric nursing. It describes how an individual's basis for moral reasoning evolves through three broad levels, each containing two stages. For an adolescent, understanding this progression is key to assessing their psychosocial maturity. The theory moves from a self-centered perspective to one based on societal norms, and finally to a principled, internalized ethical code. Analyzing the Question and Answer Choices The question asks you to identify a statement reflecting the postconventional level of moral reasoning in a 15-year-old. This level is characterized by moral judgment that is based on abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles and personal conscience, which may transcend specific laws or social rules. The research by Pozo Enciso et al. (2022) confirms that this level involves defining moral values and principles that have validity apart from the authority of groups or persons [1]. Let's analyze each option through this lens. 1. "I don't steal because I might get caught and punished." This statement is a classic example of the preconventional level. The motivation for behavior is purely egocentric, focused on avoiding punishment and obeying authority out of a fear of negative consequences. Moral judgment is based on the direct physical results of an action, not on any internalized sense of right or wrong. 2. "I follow rules because they help create a fair society for everyone." This statement reflects the conventional level, specifically the stage often called "social contract and individual rights," which is a transitional stage. However, the core reasoning is still tied to maintaining the social system. The individual recognizes that rules are necessary for societal order and fairness, but the morality is still defined by the external structure of society itself. 3. "I don't take things that aren't mine because good children follow the rules their parents teach them." This is another clear indicator of the conventional level. The moral reasoning is based on conformity to interpersonal expectations and gaining approval. The desire to be seen as a "good child" and to follow the rules set by authority figures (parents) demonstrates a "law and order" orientation where morality is synonymous with maintaining social norms and relationships. 4. "I make my own decisions about right and wrong based on my personal values." This statement is the hallmark of the postconventional level. The adolescent is not simply following rules to avoid punishment, gain approval, or maintain social order. Instead, they are defining morality from within, guided by a self-chosen, abstract ethical principle. The Neo-Kohlbergian perspective, as studied by Choi et al. (2020), emphasizes that postconventional moral reasoning involves a continuous development of this internalized, principled thinking, which forms the theoretical basis for measuring mature moral judgment . This represents the highest level of moral development, where the conscience and personal integrity become the ultimate arbiters of right and wrong.References (research sources) - [1]Moral judgement among university students in Ica: A view from the perspective of Lawrence Kohlberg.Research articlePozo Enciso RS, Arbieto Mamani O, Mendoza Vargas MG. (2022) · DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.125433.2 ## 임상 시나리오 Adolescent Moral Development AssessmentApplying Kohlberg's Postconventional Stage in Clinical Encounters When assessing a 15-year-old adolescent, statements indicating postconventional reasoning are defined by a focus on personal values and universal ethical principles. The defining statement is one where the individual makes decisions based on their own internalized moral code, not on external rules or fear of punishment. Differentiate this from the conventional level, where morality is driven by maintaining social order or gaining approval from others. A key clinical indicator is the adolescent's ability to reason about ethical dilemmas using abstract principles like justice or human dignity, even if it means breaking a specific law. CautionDo not expect all adolescents to reach this level; many adults function at the conventional level. Assess the stated reasoning behind the action, not the action itself, to accurately determine the moral stage. ## 핵심 개념 - **Postconventional Morality** — Kohlberg's highest level of moral reasoning where individuals define right and wrong based on abstract, universal ethical principles and personal conscience, which may conflict with societal laws. - **Conventional Morality** — The second level in Kohlberg's theory where moral reasoning is based on conforming to social norms, maintaining law and order, and living up to the expectations of family and society. - **Preconventional Morality** — The first level of moral development where a child's sense of right and wrong is determined by the direct consequences of actions, such as punishment or reward. ## 같은 주제 문제 - [A nurse is assessing the moral development of a 12-year-old adolescent. According to Kohlb…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=541735) - [A nurse is assessing the moral development of a 7-year-old child. 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