DEVELOPMENTAL TRAJECTORIES IN MORAL REASONING ACROSS THE LIFE-SPAN

This long-term study found that moral reasoning as conceptualised by K ohlberg (1981, 1985) can develop into adulthood. Predominantly white, well-educated middle-class participants were interviewed four times at st-year intervals (N = 44). Stage development was sequential and cont inued throughout the life span, although its occurrence decreased with advancing age in a curvilinear fashion. Post-conventional reasoning w as demonstrated by seven adults. Stage of moral reasoning correlated w ith age strongly in children and moderately in adults, and was moderat ely correlated with education in all age groups. Additionally, advance in moral reasoning stage was correlated with increase in education in adults. Although no systematic gender differences were found across a ge groups, men in the younger adult group had Significantly higher sco res than women.