# A nurse is assessing the moral development of a 10-year-old child. According to Kohlberg's theory, which statement by the child would indicate preconventional level moral reasoning?

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## 문제

A nurse is assessing the moral development of a 10-year-old child. According to Kohlberg's theory, which statement by the child would indicate preconventional level moral reasoning?

## 보기

1. "I don't steal because it's against the law and good people follow rules."
2. "I don't steal because I might get caught and punished." **✔ 정답**
3. "I don't steal because it violates the universal principle of respecting others' property."
4. "I don't steal because my parents told me not to."

**정답: 2**

## 해설

The child's statement reflects conventional Stage 4 reasoning, focusing on following laws and social rules. Option 2 shows preconventional reasoning, option 3 shows postconventional reasoning, and option 4 shows conventional Stage 3 reasoning.

## 심화 해설

Understanding Kohlberg's Preconventional Level

To answer this question, it is essential to understand the core motivation behind moral reasoning at each of Kohlberg's stages. The theory describes moral development as a progression through distinct levels, each reflecting a more sophisticated way of thinking about right and wrong. The provided research abstract clearly delineates the primary driver at the lowest stage: self-interest [1].

At the preconventional level, a child's sense of morality is externally controlled. They do not yet have an internalized sense of societal rules or universal ethical principles. Instead, their actions are guided by the direct consequences they anticipate. This level is divided into two stages:

1.  Punishment and Obedience Orientation: The child determines right from wrong based on whether an action leads to punishment. Avoiding punishment is the primary goal.

2.  Instrumental Relativist Orientation: The child recognizes that there is not just one right view and follows rules based on self-interest and the possibility of a reward or a favor in return.

A 10-year-old child is typically functioning within this level or transitioning into the next, making it a critical age for assessment. The statement "I don't steal because I might get caught and punished" is a textbook example of preconventional reasoning. The child's judgment is not based on the act of stealing being inherently wrong, a violation of a social contract, or a breach of a universal principle. The moral issue is judged solely on the potential for a negative, self-interested outcome: getting caught and facing punishment [1]. The focus is entirely on the physical consequence to the self, which is the hallmark of this earliest stage.

Let's analyze why the other options are incorrect based on Kohlberg's framework:

-   Option 1: "I don't steal because it's against the law and good people follow rules." This statement reflects the conventional level of moral reasoning. At this level, the individual has internalized societal rules and norms. The motivation is to be seen as a "good" person by following the law and maintaining social order, which goes far beyond simple self-interest [1].

-   Option 3: "I don't steal because it violates the universal principle of respecting others' property." This is a clear indicator of the postconventional level. The reasoning is based on abstract, universal ethical principles that transcend specific laws or social norms. The individual recognizes a higher moral principle—respect for others' rights—that should govern human behavior [1].

-   Option 4: "I don't steal because my parents told me not to." While this may sound like a child's reasoning, it is not a pure example of a specific Kohlberg stage. It most closely aligns with the early conventional level, where the child seeks to gain approval from authority figures and conform to their expectations to be seen as "good." It lacks the direct, physical consequence-to-self focus that defines the preconventional level. The motivation is social approval, not just avoiding punishment.

The key clinical distinction is the locus of the child's concern. In preconventional reasoning, the locus is purely on the physical consequence to the self (punishment). In conventional reasoning, it shifts to the social consequence and the maintenance of rules and relationships. In postconventional reasoning, it is centered on internalized universal principles, even if they conflict with laws.References (research sources)

- [1]How the COVID-19 pandemic affects the moral reasoning of pediatric residents and the general population.Research articleJean-Tron MG, Ávila-Montiel D, Hill-de TC, Márquez-González H, Chapa-Koloffon G, Ávila-Hernández AV, Núñez-Benítez MA, Muñoz-Hernández O, Garduño-Espinosa J. (2023) · DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04265-6

## 임상 시나리오

Pediatric Moral Development AssessmentKohlberg's Preconventional Reasoning in School-Age Children
At the preconventional level, a child's moral judgment is driven by self-interest and the direct physical consequences of an action. The primary motivation is to avoid punishment.

A 10-year-old child is typically functioning at this level or transitioning to the conventional level. Assess their reasoning by asking about the "why" behind a rule, not just the rule itself.

NoteDo not confuse a child's ability to state a rule with their moral reasoning level. A child who says "stealing is against the law" may be at the conventional level, while one who says "I'll get in trouble" is preconventional.

## 핵심 개념

- **Preconventional Level** — Kohlberg's first level of moral development where reasoning is based on physical consequences and self-interest, including Stage 1 (Punishment/Obedience) and Stage 2 (Instrumental Relativism).
- **Conventional Level** — Kohlberg's second level where moral reasoning is based on societal rules and approval of others, including Stage 3 (Good Boy/Nice Girl) and Stage 4 (Law and Order).
- **Postconventional Level** — Kohlberg's highest level where morality is defined by abstract principles and personal conscience, including Stage 5 (Social Contract) and Stage 6 (Universal Ethical Principle).

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