Loevinger's Theory of Ego Development

Question 1

Stage

Age

Answer 1

Characteristics

Question 2

Symbiotic

Infancy

Answer 2

focused on gratifying immediate needs

attached to primary caregiver

Question 3

Impulsive

Toddlers

Answer 3

focused on bodily feelings; dependent and demanding; egocentric

Question 4

Self-protective

early & middle childhood

Answer 4

awareness of cause and effect; goals are to get things and not get caught; externalizing blame

Question 5

Conformist

6 years to late elementary or middle school

Answer 5

invested in belonging; view and evaluate in terms of externals; right and wrong is clear; feelings are simple

Question 6

Self-aware

most adults in the U.S.

Answer 6

increased but limited awareness; awareness that members of groups can think differently; questions right and wrong –> self criticism

Question 7

Conscientious

Answer 7

self-evaluation and criticism; values responsibility & achievement; greater self-reflection; self-accountability

Question 8

Individualistic

Answer 8

broad minded tolerance for autonomy of self and others; autonomy can conflict with needs for intimacy; awareness of closeness and distance

Question 9

Autonomous

Answer 9

relationships appreciated as interdependent system of support; greater tolerance of ambiguity; conflicts are easier faced

Question 10

Integrated

reached by less than 1% of adults in U.S.

Answer 10

Wisdom, empathy towards self and others; full sense of identity; understand and actualize own potentials and achieve integration of self