Which stage is associated with being liked and wanting to gain approval?

• A. Good Boy, Nice Girl Orientation
• B. Obedience-and-Punishment Orientation
• C. Law-and-Order Orientation
• D. Instrumental Purpose Orientation

Answer: (A)

In Kohlberg’s theory, the stage where being liked and wanting to gain approval drives decisions is the Good Boy–Nice Girl orientation. Here, moral judgments are guided by the desire to please others and to be seen as a good person by significant people such as teachers, family, or peers. Actions are chosen to maintain harmony and earn social approval, rather than to pursue abstract principles or personal gain. This stands in contrast to other stages where the motive is to avoid punishment, to follow rules for the sake of social order, or to act out of self-interest and reciprocal benefit. So the stage that best fits being liked and seeking approval is the Good Boy–Nice Girl orientation.