Analysis Of Daniel Levinson's Seasons Of Life

Daniel Levinson proposed the “Seasons of Life” theory to explain the transition that occurs as humans reach a mature age. Distinctly, unlike most other theorists and psychologists, Levinson focuses on developmental growth starting at a later age in life promoting the idea that such development is a lifelong process and is vital knowledge to be aware of.
Levinson's’ theory includes two critical periods: the stable period and the transitional period. During the stable period decision making moments are in progress (humangrowthtripod, p.1). The transitional period consists of the time in between the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another. This transitional time is different for everyone, and can either be easy, or difficult. With …show more content…
To begin, when Levinson first developed his theory, he only interviewed men, hence the name of his theory “The Seasons of a Man’s Life.” Moreover, the men that were interviewed ranged from 35 to 45 years of age, and had occupations such as “biology professors, novelists, business executives, or industrial laborers” (schoolworkhelper, p.1). By the occupations states, it seemed that most of the men Levinson interviewed were of economically stable backgrounds portraying possible room for bias in his theory. The time period in which Levinson developed his theory can also be expected to have played a key role in his findings, in that it was shortly after the great depression, in which turmoil greatly lessened and the economy was quickly recovering. Overall, the country after a period of hardship was hopeful. This made job outlook and advancement attainable, making the times positive. In comparison, looking at today's modern society, lives can seem a lot less stable. For example, issues such as high divorce rate and a fluctuating economy, as well as political uncertainty add stress making many unsure of what the future holds for them. Unlike the 1960s in which the theory was proposed, young adults are not seeming as eager to join the adult world due to great responsibilities it encompasses. All in all, the stages described in Levinson's theory may occur …show more content…
The health scare he experience with the mild heart attack probably made him reflect on his life since it can be considered a near death experience. This would prompt him to look at his life in retrospect and examine his decisions and place in life. It is not uncommon that after an experience like his to want to make changes. Some of her father's rash decisions may have to do with him not wanting to miss out on experiences since realizing life is short. Looking into hair treatments as strange as it may seem, just makes her father feel better about himself which is positive. Her father trying to look younger is just a way for him to regain youthfulness which may aid his health if he feels better about himself. As long as her father is taking care of himself, him making a couple cosmetic changes will not harm him. Often at this age, adults access aspects in which they have lost attention, more often than not this includes their appearance, so wanting to better oneself is not uncommon, nor negative. I would advise Susan not to worry about the situation too much. Although during mid life crisis adults reminisce and are prompted to make changes she should not be concerned unless her father seems highly depressed or is making dangerous rash decisions. Overall, Susan should