This paper considers two studies that address negative affective states and moral reasoning while taking the Defining Issues Tests (DIT, DIT2). Both studies confirmed earlier findings that the DIT dilemma, 'Heinz and the Drug,' and the DIT2 dilemma, 'Famine,' are related to increased anger and sadness and decreased moral reasoning. Similar…

It is argued in this article that the need to find something certain to which to devote oneself is strongest among youth who are in a state of identity diffusion, and that the search for certainty in such a state is frequently for the genuine, the pure, and the enduring. (Author)

Divided into three sections, this paper briefly presents Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning; surveys some key research relating childrearing practices to adolescents' social competence, including moral reasoning; and reports research findings concerning the value systems adolescents develop. The first section characterizes preconventional,…

Addresses whether value change over the life course is a result of period shifts or individual maturation and differences in values among age strata are a function of cohort experience or individual maturation. Shows that on only one of the four dependent measures was aging directly implicated. (Author)

Examines contributions made by both Piaget and Kohlberg to understanding the process and pattern of moral development. Kohlberg's theory is based on Piaget's study of cognitive development that provided an understanding of the development process and the factors that cause the development of moral reasoning. Some implications for teachers are…

Those who preferred principled levels of moral reasoning were seen as being dependable, rational, creative, intelligent, and accepting of rules and constraints of society, but at the same time, able to think independently and aware of the need for change. (Author)

This review examines research in moral and spiritual development during the adolescent years, with a primary focus on Piaget's and Kohlberg's theories. It begins by presenting definitions of morality and then discusses theories of moral development set forth by Piaget, Elkind, and Kohlberg. Theories of Piaget and Kohlberg are briefly compared.…

Using four case studies, the paper explores whether the philosophical reflections on the meaning of life by older adults constitute a developmental stage as defined by Piaget. Prefacing his analysis with discussions of the Erikson model of ego stages and the Fowler "Faith Interview" methods, Kohlberg hypothesizes hierarchical levels that…

Application of a common framework in studies of the development of social cognition can reduce conceptual and methodological ambiguities and enable clearer study of core issues. This paper describes the core issues and their attendant problems, outlines a model of information integration that addresses the issues, and describes some illustrative…

Introduces a three-dimensional framework for examining moral development interventions consisting of the target of intervention, type of intervention, and intervention approach. Provides examples of specific strategies for each category included in the framework. (Author/KS)

Provides an historical perspective on the social changes precipitated by invention of the printing press and widespread availability of books. Suggests ways in which to effectively incorporate human rights teaching into modern children's books. (AV)

Investigates the relationship between perceived locus of injustice (blaming either individuals or institutions for injustice) and Kohlberg's moral judgment typology, while controlling the effects of social desirability. Finds that Kohlberg's "stage 4" individuals (with "law and order" orientations) show the strongest disposition to blame…

The author is concerned that teaching strategies based on the values clarification approach (VCA) and on Kohlberg's stage theory of moral development might be premature. The VCA has been adopted widely despite concerns about threats to privacy of participating students, infringement on rights of parents to shape their children's values, and…

This is the second in a series of six units for administrators and teachers to serve the Environmental Goal, one of Pennsylvania's Twelve Goals of Quality Education. The environmental goal states that quality education should help every student acquire the knowledge and attitudes necessary to maintain the quality of life in a balanced environment.…

An original purpose of higher education in the United States was personal development through acculturation to the classics and to moral principles. Other purposes, those of economics, political orientation, and service, have frequently overshadowed that original goal. It may be that higher education institutions have neglected personal…