ego development

n. A comprehensive theory of individual differences and human maturation proposed by Jane Loevinger that includes three components: impulse control, cognitive complexity, and interpersonal autonomy. Loevinger's model of ego development derives from cognitive-developmental theory and tracks changes in emotions, thinking, and behavior through eight invariant, sequential stages. The primary method for the assessment of these eight stages, or ego levels, is the Washington University Sentence Completion Test (WUSCT). The first stage of ego development is preverbal and consists of the infant's constructing a stable world made of objects and self. The first measurable stage is the impulsive stage, which is evident mainly in young children. The impulsive stage is characterized by low impulse control, dependency on others to meet physical needs, and egocentric and dichotomous thinking. The self-protective stage transforms this lack of impulse control into an ability to delay gratification, to recognize opportunities for gain, and to avoid trouble by manipulation and redirecting blame. The conformist stage usually corresponds to grade school ages, and, at this stage, rules and social norms are adhered to in order to obtain approval from peers and belong to the group. The rigidity of the earlier stages loosens, and the person in the self-aware stage recognizes the importance of inner life and feelings. The self-aware person understands that there are exceptions to the rules and that it is acceptable also to be different from others. This enhanced awareness of inner life develops further in the conscientious stage, in which greater awareness of personal motives is achieved. The conscientious person is preoccupied with self-improvement and develops a heightened sense of responsibility for the well-being of others. Normative studies of WUSCT scores show that few adults progress beyond the conscientious stage and some do not progress beyond the conformist stage. The person at the individualistic stage is better able to differentiate between external appearances and the more important inner self. Individuality is accepted and respected and there is a greater tolerance for ambiguity. For those very few adults who reach the autonomous stage (E8), autonomy of the self is fully recognized as well as the capacity to grant autonomy to others. The autonomous person is no longer fearful or disdainful of the complexities of people and situations, and self-fulfillment is achieved by becoming involved in a broad diversity of relationships and activities.       

- jk