Case Study 2: Adult Stage Theories in Biographies

Case Study 2: Adult Stage Theories in Biographies

Learning Goal 1: Describe personality theories and socioemotional development in middle adulthood.

Chapter 14 presents two major adult stage theories (Erikson and Levinson), each of which attempts to capture the focal points of adult life-span development. An intriguing aspect of these theories is that they are essentially based on biographies. Some biographies were of famous people, people the theorists knew as clients, or participants in life-span developmental research. For example, Erikson based his theory on his clients, and both Erikson and Levinson applied their theories to the lives of famous people.

For this research project, have students find out how well one of the theories applies to a specific biography. In other words, they will (a) locate and read the biography of any person who interests them and (b) determine whether or not the events of that person’s life illustrate the adult stages specified in Erikson’s or Levinson’s theory. They will only cover one theory; encourage them to choose the one that appeals to them most.

Instruct students to present their findings in a table like the one in below. In addition, they need to write a brief report in which they summarize how well the theory they are applying captures the life of the person they read about. If they believe the theory applies, tell them to be sure to describe the facts of the person’s life that they think support the theory. If they believe the theory does not apply, they should explain how they reached that conclusion.

Data Sheet for the Adult Stage Theories in Biographies

On the left side of your table, indicate the stages of adult life for the theory you are applying. On the right side of your table, indicate whether or not you found evidence that the person you are studying passed through the stage or experienced the specified crisis. If the person did pass through the stage or experienced the crisis, enter a brief note about the events of their life that support your claim.

Theory you are applying:

Age of person you are studying:

Gender of person you are studying:

Stage of Adult Life

Evidence of this Stage

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.