Jane Loevinger

 Jane Loevinger

"Loevinger's theory combines ego psychology with moral development, and in that sense is not a 'typical' psychodynamically based theory." -Adult Development and Aging by Susan Krauss Whitborne (page 194)

Loevinger was a psychologist who theorized that individuals have a sense of morality that causes them to improve in 1976. Loevinger created a theory that described that individuals are meant to develop responsibility, autonomy, self-discipline, and individuality. Individuals have the autonomy to choose to be independant and individualistic. We learn that Loevinger described six stages of development where individuals can choose to be independent and individualistic or not. Individuals who choose to learn from experiences, develop empathy, and are responsible tend to value individuality.

The first stage or Conformist stage describes individuals who conform to the standards of a group in order to avoid disapproval. These individuals stereotype others and also are mostly concerned about appearances and reputation. Individuals can mature and are able to be self-aware and gain an understanding of morality. The individual matures and develops responsibility that allows him to improve to stages that describe understanding the importance of ethics and morality or the Conscientious-Conformist level and Conscientious stage. The individualistic stage describes that individuals are able to develop empathy and morality.

Individuals are described being autonomous and also wanting to understand the importance of responsibility and morality. Individuals who decide to practice responsibility and empathy are able to improve. Jane Loevinger's theory describes how individuals learn from life experience and are able to regulate emotions, practice empathy, have self-discipline, and understand the importance of morality in life.

Jane Loevinger described that for an individual, the highest level of development consisted in attaining individuality and responsibility. Individuals are able to mature throughout life and choose to be independent, individualistic, and responsible. This theory of development by Loevinger emphasis that individuals are meant to improve throughout life attaining an understanding of ethics, self-discipline, responsibility, and individuality. We can learn to be righteous and responsible and improve each day. Psychologist have described the importance of individualism and responsibility in our day to day lives so that we express our true self and abilities. This prevents conformism that wants individuals to hate and envy others because of their uniqueness and differences.