Adult and Older Adult Theories

Question 1

Roger Gould’s Theory

Answer 1

adult development theory is that development takes place with the replacement of childhood responses with ones that are more mature. His belief is that we learned behavior as children that we believed would keep us safe. As we grow, we are challenged to give up those old behaviors when faced with a situation that invites a different and healthier response.

Question 2

Daniel Levinson’s Theory

Answer 2

Daniel Levinson also created his own theory on adult development. Levinson believed that life is composed of various stages that require us to make decisions, like choosing our life direction. He stated that development takes place as a person moves from one of these stages to another. He listed seven life stages that are typical to one’s life journey. They include:

Early adult transition
Entering the adult world
Age 30 transition
Settling down
Mid-life transition
Entering middle adulthood
Late adulthood

Question 3

William Perry’s Theory

Answer 3

believed that young adults develop as they shift their thinking from authority figures having all the answers to being able to come up with answers for themselves and learning from the varied opinions of others. Lastly,

Adult development but specifically as it applied to young adult students. He believed that young adults develop as they change their perspective from the belief in absolute truth to one of multiple truths. He listed nine steps of development that make up this progression.

1. authorities know everything
2. Disagreeing and finding true authorities
3. Recognizing all authorities may not know everything
4. Seeking answers
5. relative but not equally valid opinions
6. Decision making without authorities
7. making commitments
8. sharing commitments
9. owning personal opinions

Question 4

Carl Jung

Answer 4

believed adulthood was a time to consider the past, forgive parents, and master gifts and abilities.