Applied Theory: Imogene King and Laurence KohlbergTheoretical development and research has provided a framework and body of knowledge for nursing to maintain autonomy and improve the quality of care. As early as the 1800s, nursing and non-nursing theorists had developed theories and models that are continually applied to nursing practice (KEEP OR SHED?). Nursing theorist Imogene King developed goal attainment theory which focuses on the interacting systems that affect a person's ability to achieve their goals (Frey, Sieloff, & Norris, 2002). Psychologist Laurence Kohlberg created the stages theory of moral development which places moral reasoning and ethical behavior into six identifiable stages based on a person's response to moral dilemmas (Kohlberg, 1984). Although King and Kohlberg created theories in different areas, nurses can use both to improve patient care. The purpose of this article is to analyze the two theories based on the major precepts, utility and application to nursing practice. Description of Theories Goal Attainment Theory King developed Goal Attainment Theory based on his Conceptual System for Nursing Practice in 1971 (MOSBY). It primarily focused on the ability to fulfill social roles and the assumption that “nursing focuses on human beings interacting with their environment, leading to a state of health” (Alligood and Tomey, 2010 , p. 292). She questioned the nature of nursing and concluded that "the manner in which nurses, in their role, act with and for individuals...differentiates...[the nurse] from other health professionals" (Alligood and Tomey, 2010, p. 291). . Using this principle, King observed the interactions between the nurse and patient to design a model describing the theoretical principles that are...... middle of article......s, D. (2002 ). King's conceptual system and goal attainment theory: past, present and future. Nursing Science Quarterly, 15(2), 107-112. Garz, D. (2009). Lawrence Kohlberg: an introduction. Opladen: Barbara Budrich Pub. Hanucharumkul, S. (1989). Comparative analysis of Orem's and King's theories. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 14, 365-172.King, I.M. (1971). Towards a theory of nursing; general concepts of human behavior. New York: Wiley.King, Imogene. (2012). In Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Professions. Retrieved from http://0-search.credoreference.com.patris.apu.edu/content/entry/ehsmos bymed/king_imogene/0Kohlberg, L. (1984). The psychology of moral development: the nature and validity of moral stages. San Francisco: Harper & Row. Potter, PA and Perry, AG (2009). Fundamentals of Nursing (Seventh ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby Elsevier.