The nurse in a pediatric health care setting is using Kohlberg’s devel

The nurse in a pediatric health care setting is using Kohlberg’s developmental theory. A child is evaluated as having reached level I, the preconventional level, if the child:

1. Makes sure that he or she is not late for school
2. Cleans the blackboards after school for the teacher
3. Runs for school council in order to change policies
4. Stays away from peer groups that harass other children

ANSWER

ANS: 1
According to Kohlberg’s developmental theory of moral development, at level I, the preconven-tional level, the child’s reasoning is based on personal gain. The moral reason for acting relates to the consequences the person believes will occur. The child who makes sure not to be late for school may do so out of fear of punishment. Cleaning the blackboards after school for the teach-er is an example of Kohlberg’s stage 3, good boy-nice girl orientation. The child desires to win the teacher’s approval. Running for school council to change policies is an example of Kohlberg’s stage 5 social contract orientation. Staying away from gangs at school that harass other children is an example of Kohlberg’s stage 4 society-maintaining orientation.