What is a characteristic of Stage 1 in Kohlberg's Pre-conventional reasoning?

In Kohlberg's theory of moral development, Stage 1 is characterized by a "punishment and obedience orientation." Individuals at this stage make decisions based on the immediate consequences of their actions, primarily focusing on avoiding punishment. The reasoning is grounded in a perspective where moral behavior is driven by the fear of negative outcomes rather than an understanding of moral principles or the welfare of others.

At this stage, individuals see rules as absolute and unquestionable. They often evaluate the rightness or wrongness of an action based solely on whether it leads to punishment. This straightforward view demonstrates an egocentric mindset, where the needs and perspectives of others do not significantly influence their moral reasoning.

In contrast, authority-maintaining morality represents a later stage where individuals begin to understand the importance of societal rules and laws. Similarly, the morality of contract focuses on the understanding of mutual agreements and social contracts and signifies a further advancement in moral reasoning. The good boy/girl mentality is also a more advanced stage, where the approval of others becomes significant in moral decision-making. However, these characteristics are not indicative of Stage 1, which is fundamentally centered on the avoidance of punishment.