Levinson’s Season of Adulthood | Theories of Life Stages and Human Development

Levinson graduated from Yale as a Psychologist. He later developed a comprehensive theory of adult development. This theory is important because it is one of the only one which suggest that development and growth happens well into the adult years.
His theory At the center of Levinson’s theory is the life structure. This is underlying pattern of an individual life at any given point in time. A person’s life at any given point in time, A person’s life structure is shaped mainly by their social & physical environment and it primarily involve family and work other variables such as religion, race and status are often important as well.

In Levinson’s theory there are two key concepts

⦁ The stable period

This is the time when a person makes crucial choices in life

⦁ The transitional period

this is the end of a person’s stage and beginning of a new one life during this transitions can be either rock or smooth but the quality and significance of one’s life commitments often change between the beginning and end of a period.

There are 6 stages of adulthood in Levinson’s theory titled “Seasons of Man’s life”

⦁ Early adult transition (17 – 22)

leaves adolescence, make preliminary choices for adult life.

⦁ Entering the adult world (22 – 28)

make initial choices in love occupation friendship, value, and life style.

⦁ Age 30 transition (22 – 33)

changes occur in life structure, either a moderate change or more often a severe and stressful crisis

⦁ Settling down (33 – 40)

establishes a niche in society, progress on a timetable in both family and carrier accomplishments are expected to think and behave like a parent so they are facing more demanding roles and expectations.

⦁ Mid- life transition (40 – 45)

usually a time of crisis in the meaning direction and values of each person’s life. Also at this time men becoming increasingly aware of death and they are reminded of how short life really is.

⦁ Entering middle adulthood (45 – 50)

choices must be made a new life structure formed.
Some sources also stated that there was a late adulthood stage during which time a man spent time reflecting on past achievements and regrets and making peace with one’s self and others (including God).