1. Jane Loevinger’s Theory of Ego Development

2. Jane Loevinger Born in St. Paul, Minnesota
Master’s of science in psychometrics from the University of Minnesota
Worked with Erik Erikson
Developed her own theory

3. Loevinger’s 9 Stages: Infancy
Presocial 
No ego 
Not Differentiated from the World 
Symbiotic 
Self-Nonself Differentiation 
Stability of Objects

4. Loevinger’s 9 Stages: Impulsive
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

5. Loevinger’s 9 Stages: Self-protective stage
Anticipates Rewards & Punishments 
First Self-Control 
"Don’t Get Caught" 
Externalize Blame 
Opportunistic Hedonism

6. Loevinger’s 9 Stages: Conformist
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

7. Loevinger’s 9 Stages: Self-Aware
Self Distinct from Norms & Expectations 
First Inner Life 
Banal Feelings Always in Reference to Others 
Pseudo-Trait Conceptions 
Modal Stage of Adults

8. Loevinger’s 9 Stages: Conscientious Stage
 Self evaluation and self-criticism continues.
Personally-evaluated principles are the basis of morality and behaviour follows certain self-evaluated standards.
An increase in awareness of others’ exceptional feelings and motives result in an apprehension with mutuality and empathy in relationships.

9. Loevinger’s 9 Stages: Individualistic Stage
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.

10. Loevinger’s 9 Stages: Autonomous Stage
There is increasing respect for your own and others’ autonomy
 Greater tolerance for:
-Ambiguity
Relationships  (Appreciated as an interdependent system of mutual support)
-Conflicts (Both inner conflicts and conflicts between people)

11. Loevinger’s 9 Stages: Integrated Stage
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.

12. Relevance
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