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The stage that focuses on pleasing others and gaining approval is the "Good boy-nice girl" stage of Kohlberg's moral development. This stage represents a level of moral reasoning where an individual makes decisions based on the desire to be liked and accepted by others. During this stage, the emphasis is on conforming to social expectations and maintaining positive relationships. Individuals in this phase are motivated by feelings of empathy and the need for social approval, which often drives their ethical decisions and behaviors.

This stage occurs typically in late childhood to early adolescence and is characterized by a strong emotional connection to the opinions of peers and authority figures. The individual seeks to gain approval through their actions, often leading them to prioritize the perspectives of others over abstract principles of justice or law. Understanding this stage is important for educators and caregivers as it emphasizes the role of social interaction and relationships in shaping moral development.