Robert Kegan - The Five Stages of Adult Development (And Why You Probably Aren't Stage 5)
Mar 6, 2020
auto_awesome
Psychologist Robert Kegan discusses the stages of adult development. He clarifies misconceptions about his model and explores the variety of developmental logics in the human mind. Kegan emphasizes the importance of transitioning to the self-authoring mind and reflects on the impact of political beliefs on societal interactions.
The transition from the socialized to the self-authoring mind is crucial for personal growth and addressing societal challenges.
Misunderstandings of developmental theories can lead to elitism and othering, emphasizing the importance of the transition itself rather than aspiring to higher stages.
Grasping the concepts of higher stages does not guarantee embodiment and engagement; experiential growth and transformation are essential.
Deep dives
Importance of the transition from socialized to self-authoring mind
The podcast episode discusses the importance of the transition from the socialized mind to the self-authoring mind. This transition represents a critical developmental shift in an individual's ability to move beyond tribal and fundamentalist identifications, and to access a greater degree of self-authorship. The episode emphasizes that this transition is significant not only for personal growth but also for addressing societal challenges. It explores how individuals who have achieved self-authorship can transcend the limitations of their cultural contexts, critically evaluate prevailing narratives, and contribute to social change. The podcast highlights the transformative potential of this transition for individuals who may have been historically disadvantaged, as well as for those who possess privilege and have the capacity for self-reflection and change.
Misunderstandings and misuses of developmental theory
The podcast acknowledges that there can be misunderstandings and misuses of developmental theories, particularly when there is an exclusive focus on reaching higher stages of development as a status symbol or an intellectual pursuit. It cautions against equating developmental stages with personal worth or coolness, highlighting that such aspirations may often stem from earlier stages. The episode encourages listeners to be mindful of the potential for elitism and othering when engaging with developmental theories. It suggests that the true transformative potential lies in the transition from the socialized to the self-authoring mind, emphasizing that this shift requires support and understanding, as it can be unsettling and challenging for individuals deeply rooted in their current stage of development.
The gap between philosophical understanding and developmental embodiment
The episode delves into the gap between a philosophical understanding of higher stages of development and the actual embodiment and enactment of those stages in an individual's life. It highlights that grasping the concepts and theories of higher stages does not inherently equate to being developmentally at those stages. The podcast exemplifies this gap by describing situations where individuals can intellectually comprehend the principles of a higher stage while still being unable to fully embody or engage with it. It emphasizes the importance of experiential growth and actual developmental transformation rather than intellectual comprehension alone.
Empirical evidence and age-related transformation
The podcast acknowledges the need for empirical evidence to validate claims about specific stages of development. It states that, based on current assessments and studies, stage five of development has not been observed in individuals below the age of 40. However, it also acknowledges that empirical evidence can always challenge and change existing theories. The episode also emphasizes that age-related transformation is not the sole indicator of development, as maturity and complexity of thinking can vary among individuals, regardless of age.
The significance of supporting the transition to self-authorship
The podcast emphasizes the significance of supporting individuals in the transition from the socialized mind to self-authorship. It discusses the benefits and challenges associated with this shift, both at the individual and societal levels. The episode highlights real-life examples, such as Trump supporters expressing relief, worshipers grappling with changes in liturgy, and fundamentalist reactions to perceived threats to their ideologies. It urges listeners to recognize the importance of providing adequate support and understanding during this transformative process, as it can lead to personal liberation, alternative perspectives, and opportunities for collective growth.
Robert Kegan is a psychologist who teaches, researches, writes, and consults about adult development, adult learning, and professional development. His work explores the possibility and necessity of ongoing psychological transformation in adulthood. He is perhaps most well known as the author of The Evolving Self, In Over Our Heads: The Mental Demands of Modern Life, and An Everyone Culture.
In this conversation we talk about:
What is a good definition of an 'adult'?
The phasic vision of adult development
The variety of developmental logics in the human mind
A tour of the 5 stages of adult development
What people get wrong about his 5 Stage model of human development
Why you are almost certainly not ‘Stage 5’ if you're under the age of 40
The gap between philosophical understanding and developmental attainments
Why you might take on a Stage 5 philosophical orientation from the Stage 4 developmental level (and what that might look like)
The most important developmental stage transition for the majority of humans
What transcending the limits of the socialized mind means for our planetary culture
