A Motivational Model for Understanding Moral Action and Moral Development

Abstract

The neglected topic of moral action and the explanations given for such actions, with their shortcomings, are discussed. To avoid these limitations a new model is offered which integrates personal and situational variables, wherein motivation for moral action is the result of the interaction among moral motives, expectations about costs/benefits, and expectations about outcomes for self-evaluation. The numerical values for these variables are defined and support for this model is given through a reanalysis of Kohlberg's stages and some data from other researchers.