Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

How many stages of ego development did Jane Loevinger propose?

1. 5

2. 7

3. 10

4. 12

The correct answer is: 7

Jane Loevinger proposed a model of ego development that includes a progression through several stages, specifically a total of 10 distinct stages. These stages, ranging from the Impulsive stage at the earliest levels to the Integrated stage at the highest level, reflect the evolving complexities of personality and social understanding that individuals experience throughout their lives. The model emphasizes how individuals interpret experiences and relate to others, manifesting varying degrees of inner awareness and social responsibility as they develop. Each stage characterizes an individual's worldview and cognitive maturity, serving as a framework for understanding psychological growth and social interactions over time. While the other choices suggest fewer or more stages than what Loevinger actually identified, the correct response accurately captures the comprehensive nature of her developmental model. Understanding these stages is critical for counselors, as it provides insight into clients' behaviors, motivations, and interpersonal dynamics based on their level of ego development.