Discussion
The aim of this study was to construct a new instrument for
measuring moral development according to Kohlberg's theory of
moral development among students and professionals, and initially
test it for reliability and validity among students in professional
education. The Moral Development Scale for Professionals, MDSP, is
grounded in Kohlberg's theory of moral development (Kohlberg,
1976, 1984), and the items have been constructed in accordance with
the theory that reflects a cognitive view of moral development and,
therefore, were considered as quite suitable for the theoretical basis
for instrument development and quantitative studies. A systematic
approach has been applied in order to get an easy to use instrument
that is suitable for, among other things, outcome evaluation of ethics
education among nursing students, registered nurses, other student
groups and professionals. This is valuable for further development of
study programmes and comparisons between, for example, nursing
education and education for teachers, social workers, psychologists or
physicians. What all these professions have in common is that moral
development and ethical reasoning are necessary in encounters with
clients. Basics for good relations with individuals in vulnerable
situations are that the professionals are well aware of personal values
and moral behaviour.
The main reason for