Erik Erikson, developmental psychologists proposed in his theory of “Stages of psychosocial development”, that over the life-span an individuals pscyhological development takes place in eight stages and is influenced by internal and external factors such as physical limitations, environment, culture and social experiences. Within each stage psychological crises arise and the success or failure of their resolution builds on past experiences as the individual’s progresses through to the next stage (Erickson, 1982). For example, to successfully proceed through “Stage 6 - Young Adults 18-40years” the individual must have developed a sense of personal identity and life purpose gained from the successful resolution of the “identity vs. role confusion”
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Daniel Levinson
Daniel Levinson’s model of psychological development “Seasons of a Man’s Life” follows a similar psychosocial stage theory as Erickson, however, they differ in that Levinson places more emphasis on psychological development in adulthood. His model describes 4 stable ‘seasons’ or stages, Pre-adulthood era (0-17years), Early adult era (17-45yrs), Middle adult era (45-60yrs) and Late adult era (60 years plus) that last about 25 years each and include an unstable transition period, of about 4-5 years. During the stable period of each ‘season’ Levinson describes a set of crucial tasks for individual’s in order to move onto the next stage. However, this stability is interrupted by transitional periods of upheaval in which questioning and exploration occurs resulting in a modification of life structures along with the adoption of new life patterns (Levinson, Darrow, Klein & Levinson, …show more content…
Levinson captured the complexity of the decision-making and the need for advanced cognitive skills during this period in a young males life. This theory was an easy fit for Rob due to the fact that he was white, middleclass and well educated, which highlights the major limitations of Levinson’s “Seasons of a Man 's Life” theory. Levinson’s based his theory on a study of 40, middle-class, American males, between the ages of 35 and 45 years of age which deems the theory generalized and only applicable to that demographic.
With regard to Schaie’s theory I found this the most relevant of all the developmental theories. Schaie also expands developmental cognition theories of the past giving light to the prospect that Adults do have cognitive development beyond adolescence. I personally agree with Schaie, young adults have extremely complex lives, more than teenagers. They have major decisions to make as the Case Study reveals and in doing so Rob is using complex reasoning and logic, in excess of what a teenager is capable of
Daniel Levinson
Daniel Levinson’s model of psychological development “Seasons of a Man’s Life” follows a similar psychosocial stage theory as Erickson, however, they differ in that Levinson places more emphasis on psychological development in adulthood. His model describes 4 stable ‘seasons’ or stages, Pre-adulthood era (0-17years), Early adult era (17-45yrs), Middle adult era (45-60yrs) and Late adult era (60 years plus) that last about 25 years each and include an unstable transition period, of about 4-5 years. During the stable period of each ‘season’ Levinson describes a set of crucial tasks for individual’s in order to move onto the next stage. However, this stability is interrupted by transitional periods of upheaval in which questioning and exploration occurs resulting in a modification of life structures along with the adoption of new life patterns (Levinson, Darrow, Klein & Levinson, …show more content…
Levinson captured the complexity of the decision-making and the need for advanced cognitive skills during this period in a young males life. This theory was an easy fit for Rob due to the fact that he was white, middleclass and well educated, which highlights the major limitations of Levinson’s “Seasons of a Man 's Life” theory. Levinson’s based his theory on a study of 40, middle-class, American males, between the ages of 35 and 45 years of age which deems the theory generalized and only applicable to that demographic.
With regard to Schaie’s theory I found this the most relevant of all the developmental theories. Schaie also expands developmental cognition theories of the past giving light to the prospect that Adults do have cognitive development beyond adolescence. I personally agree with Schaie, young adults have extremely complex lives, more than teenagers. They have major decisions to make as the Case Study reveals and in doing so Rob is using complex reasoning and logic, in excess of what a teenager is capable of