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Born in St. Paul,
Minnesota
Master’s of science in
psychometrics from
the University of
Minnesota
Worked with Erik
Erikson
Developed her own
theory
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Presocial
No ego
Not Differentiated
from the World
Symbiotic
Self-Nonself
Differentiation
Stability of Objects
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Curbed by Restraints, Rewards & Punishments
Others are Seen as What They Can Give
"Nice to Me" or "Mean to Me"
Present-Centred
Physical but not Psychological Causation
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Anticipates Rewards
& Punishments
First Self-Control
"Don’t Get Caught"
Externalize Blame
Opportunistic
Hedonism
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Take in Rules of the Group
No Self Apart from Others
Other’s Disapproval is Sanction
Not Only Fear of Punishment
Rules and Norms not Distinguished
Rejects Out-Group
Stereotypes Roles
Security = Belonging
Behaviours Judged Externally not by Intentions
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Self Distinct from
Norms &
Expectations
First Inner Life
Banal Feelings
Always in Reference
to Others
Pseudo-Trait
Conceptions
Modal Stage of Adults
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Self evaluation and self-criticism continues.
Personally-evaluated principles are the basis of
morality and behaviour follows certain selfevaluated standards.
An increase in awareness of others’ exceptional
feelings and motives result in an apprehension
with mutuality and empathy in relationships.
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During this stage
relationships are valued
more than achievements,
due to the fact that
relationships are the main
focus.
This is simply an
elementary understanding
of conflicting wishes,
thoughts and feelings
Though at this stage the
individuals are aware, to a
certain degree, of these
conflicts they will not find
a resolution for them.
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There is increasing
respect for your own
and others’ autonomy
Greater tolerance for:
-Ambiguity
Relationships (Appreci
ated as an
interdependent system
of mutual support)
-Conflicts (Both inner
conflicts and conflicts
between people)
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Individuals experience a broad empathy
towards themselves and others
Within this stage the individual has a full sense
of identity and simply trying to understand
their own potentials
n Loevinger’s research the highest stage is
reached by less than 1% of adults in the United
States.
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Develops the importance of understanding self
in establishing relationships
Accept differences and and distinguish
variations in feelings and opinions that make
us unique
Helps us understand how our minds work