Stages of Ego Development
Jillian Whalen
PSY/230
June 20, 2014
Chris Allen Shreve

Stages of Ego Development Jane Leovinger created a method of recognizing which stage of ego development one may be in at any given age. A verbal sentence completion test is implemented to help the participant understand more about which one of the nine stages of development she may be experiencing at the time and what she needs to do in order to move on to the next stage. Each stage explains what level of maturity, acceptance, and understanding one may be in at the time of test completion. They also help the individual understand their internal feelings about environmental factors surrounding them and how these factors form the ego. Loevinger notes that not everyone reaches self-actualization and many may be stuck at certain stages.
Stage one – The Pre-Social and Symbolic Stage: Because this stage occurs at infancy, it is not as understood as well as other stages because the child is non-verbal and unable to complete the sentence completion test. An infant’s ego, according to Loevinger, is most interested in gratifying immediate needs, such as feedings and diaper changes. She also notes that infants form a close bond with their primary care giver. While the child recognizes she is a different entity from the world that surrounds her, she has trouble distinguishing her own identity from the caregiver.
Stage two- The Impulsive Stage Loevinger describes this stage in relation to the dependent toddler, however, a minority of people remain in this stage. This stage is an egocentric, selfish stage that only allows the individual to be happy if her own needs are met by others.
Stage three- The self-protected stage While the self-protect ego is more sophisticated than the impulsive stage, it is still based on the idea of “cause and effect.” The average age for this stage is the immediate post-toddler age through approximately age five. Unfortunately some stay in this stage for the remainder of their lives. People who do not move out of this stage tend to develop delinquent behaviors as children and criminal behaviors as adults. This stage is when individuals are most concerned about getting what they want, any way necessary, and not getting caught doing it. They are also aware that others feel the same way and do what they have to do to protect what they have obtained.
Stage four – The Conformist Stage The conformist ego begins to emerge at about the age six and exists through elementary school and into middle school. The conformist ego craves acceptance and a sense of belonging from others, mostly peers. These individuals are focused on more materialistic things and tend to have the trait of being a shallow person. They have an sufficient knowledge of what is morally right and wrong, however will use shame in order to belittle someone else as their sense of shame and happiness is at its peak during this time.
Stage five and six– The Self-Awareness Stage The self-awareness stage is most common in the majority of adults. It is when a one digs deep inside themselves to find the person she really is, versus the person she is expected to be. This person begins to appreciate diversity and uniqueness and realizes that she will soon have to deal with differences in ideas and beliefs between her and her family members. This is when a person begins to make long term goals because of her recognition of identity.
Stage seven – The Individualistic Stage During this stage the ego begins to become more broadminded, understanding and tolerant of others. Strong relationships are usually formed and the meaning of love prevails. This person is focused on achievement but begins to become aware and at terms with their inner conflicts.
Stage eight – The Autonomous Stage During this stage there is an increasing respect for other people’s autonomy. The individual in this phase embraces differences and takes joy in the diversity around her. Her appreciation for self-actualization has grown and she is now more accepting of her inner conflicts as well as conflicts between herself and others, understanding that these differences are actually the make- up of each human being. She enjoys the space she has taken in her environment and is willing to share her surroundings.
Stage nine – The Integrated Stage The final stage is reached by less than one percent of adults in the United States. It is the stage when the ego comes to peace with unresolved issues and reconciles with her inner conflicts. This is when a person has a full sense of her identity and is comfortable enough to reminisce on her life with a positive and fulfilled attitude.