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Obedience and Punishment Orientation. Actions are judged by their direct consequences. Within religion, this stage reflects the view of morality as a strict adherence to divine authority and fear of divine punishment.

Self-interest Orientation. Right actions are those that fulfill one's own needs and occasionally others' needs. Religion at this stage may be viewed transactionally, as engaging in practices for personal gain or reward.

Interpersonal Accord and Conformity. Moral decisions are made according to social norms and the expectations of others. Religion can reinforce conformity and community norms, emphasizing the importance of acting in ways that are pleasing to the religious community.

Authority and Social Order Maintenance Orientation. Morality is seen as upholding the laws and rules for their own sake. Religion at this stage is often concerned with upholding the structure and dogma of the religious institution.

Social Contract Orientation. Right actions are defined by socially agreed upon standards, but these are recognized as fallible and not absolute. Religion may be seen as a community's way of expressing universal ethical principles that can inform but also be critiqued by individual conscience.

Universal Ethical Principles. Morality is governed by abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles. Religious beliefs are integrated into these principles, and thus, religion might be internalized and influence one’s actions through deeply held convictions, regardless of external religious institutions.