Human Growth and Development

Daniel Levinson’s Adult Development Theory Daniel Levinson studied how adults psychologically, socially, and emotionally develop throughout life. He proposed that adults go through stages of stability and change , reassessing their relationships, careers, and goals as they age. Key Ideas: ●​ People form a life structure —a combination of work, relationships, and personal values. ●​ Throughout adulthood, people experience periods of stability , followed by transitional phases where they reevaluate their choices. ●​ Life transitions (e.g., midlife crisis, career shifts) can lead to growth or stress, depending on how individuals adapt. Criticism: ●​ Levinson’s research focused mainly on middle-aged men, leading to gender bias and making the theory less applicable to women and other groups.

Period

Life Tasks to be Accomplished

Structure

Early Adulthood (17–22)

Test preferences for adult life, explore one's place in the world, independent of youth institutions. Develop personal identity, solidify career goals, form intimate relationships, seek new communities (e.g., religion, hobbies, sports). Reflect on accomplishments from the 20s, reassess choices, and adjust the current life structure. Strive to achieve personal and professional goals, reinvesting time into work, family, and community. Review 30s life structure, leading to change, regret, and a shift in perspective on life's meaning and mortality. Based on previous reflection, people commit to and act on new ideas and outlooks. Answer questions previously raised and adjusted to life choices Ages 60-85 are split into a stable and transitional period - giving up authority or power, such as retiring. Confront the reality of death, reflect on life's meaning, accomplishments, and unresolved conflicts, physical decline. This may bring peace or anxiety.

Transitional

Adult World (22–28)

Stable

Thirties Transition (29–33)

Transitional

Settling Down (34–39)

Stable

Mid-Life Transition (40–45) Entering middle Adulthood (45–50)

Transitional

Stable

Fifties Transition (51–55) Question the life structure previously adopted.

Transitional

Culmination of Middle Adulthood (56–60)

Stable

Late Adulthood (60+)

Transitional

Facing Mortality (85+)

Transitional

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