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Theories of Lifespan Development — Previous Year Questions

📊 Overview​

  • Frequency: 14 questions | Papers: 12/27 | 🟡 Medium Priority
  • Most common: Stage theories vs contextual approach; Levinson's theory; Erikson's theory

📝 Master Answer (250 words / 6 marks)​

Q. Differentiate between stage theories and contextual approach with reference to adulthood. (6 marks)​

Stage Theories of Adulthood

Stage theories propose that development proceeds through a fixed, universal sequence of qualitatively distinct stages. Two major stage theorists are:

  1. Erikson's Psychosocial Theory: Adulthood involves three stages — Intimacy vs Isolation (young adulthood), Generativity vs Stagnation (middle adulthood), and Ego Integrity vs Despair (late adulthood). Each stage involves a predictable psychosocial conflict that must be resolved.

  2. Levinson's Seasons of Life: Development alternates between stable periods (consolidation of life structure) and transitional periods (questioning and revision). Key adult transitions include: Early Adulthood (17–22), Age 30 transition, Mid-Life Transition (40–45), and Late Adulthood transition (60–65).

Strengths of Stage Theories: Provide a clear developmental map; supported by cross-sectional research; useful for counselling and education.

Contextual Approach (Life Events Approach)

The contextual approach argues that adult development is not primarily driven by age-based stages but by the timing, sequencing, and personal meaning of life events — marriage, career change, bereavement, divorce. Development in this model is less predictable and more individually varied.

Key Difference: Stage theories emphasise universal, age-linked sequences; contextual theories emphasise individual differences, social context, and the unique impact of personal life events.

Modern view: Most developmental psychologists combine both perspectives — there are some common transitions (normative) but enormous individual variation in how and when they are experienced.

Related Content: 📚 Life Span Perspectives

📅 Key Previous Year Questions​

  • 2024-June: Differentiate between stage theories and contextual approach (Section B)
  • 2022-June: Stage theories vs contextual approach
  • 2020-December: Compare stage and contextual theories
  • 2018-June: Stage theories and contextual approach to adulthood

💡 Exam Tips​

  • Always give both Erikson and Levinson as examples of stage theorists
  • The key comparison is universal/predictable stages (stage theory) vs individual/event-driven (contextual)
  • End with the modern integrative view — it shows depth