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three higher levels of Loevinger's ego development, than there is between any of the lower stages. For instance, it is not possible to be a good spouse or partner without first understanding what stage you are in, how you got there, and how to you are able to interpret and accept the differences between your spouse and yourself. I would liken this matured ego stage to the experience of looking at something through a magnifying glass so it can be clearly seen and understood. Looking at something from the third person perspective might be another example, with the first two people being young, immature versions of the self. These abilities cannot be possessed during the lower levels of development, where the ego is intolerant and self-conscious.

Although somewhat similar in later advancement, each period in Loevinger's theory presents contrasting or conflicting preoccupations with prior developmental stages. The manifestations bought forth by the newly found self-awareness from each stage all contribute to the end result of becoming the self-actualized individual. Although many people will never achieve this fully integrated status, Loevinger's theory provides the fundamental proof that we are all capable of shaping a more positive destiny for ourselves, if we chose to be more self-aware and take proactive steps to do so.

Reference

McAdams, D. (2006). The person: A new introduction to personality psychology. (4th ed).Hoboken, NJ

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