Introduction
Development theories are essential in understanding individuals’ developmental needs that may arise at any stage. In this case, Daniel Levinson’s theory of adult development and the Big Five personality concept provide a framework for describing, examining, and understanding emotional and external influences that may impact health across the lifespan. Therefore, learning about these psychological models enables caregivers to develop or select the most effective treatment strategies that fit the developmental tasks (Allen et al., 2019). For example, people’s personalities or experiences may affect how they handle stress and guide their behaviors, which play a big part in their overall health. Understanding development theories is essential in identifying and assessing psychological and social factors that might directly impact patients’ health outcomes.
Daniel Levinson’s Theory of Adult Development
Early Adulthood
Daniel Levinson’s theory explains how psychological and social factors may influence patients’ adulthood. According to Levinson, early adulthood (17 and 22 years) marks the end of adolescence and the beginning of adulthood (Rogers, 2022). This is a stage of increased independence, both emotionally and financially. Despite this stage being characterized by progress, the challenge of pursuing education, building financial resources, and forming new relationships often creates setbacks and a sense of angst when individuals fail to realize these developmental tasks. Thus, early adulthood is the period of making crucial life decisions that impact later life stages. The developmental need here is making plans for the future; therefore, mentorship or professional assistance can help guide young adults and prepare them for years ahead.
The Age 30 Transition
Once this first transition is complete, individuals enter another crucial adulthood stage. This is called the age 30 transition, which occurs between 28 and 33 years. This period often presents people with the opportunity to address any mistake in the first life structure they built and make necessary changes before the novice phase of adulthood ends. Levinson realized this stage was a point of no return, and significant life decisions had to be made (Rogers, 2022). During this phase, patients may be forced to reappraise their career paths, relationships, and lifestyles and consider options for modifying and enriching them. Faced with this reality, patients may retrace their initial choices and either conclude that they have chosen the best course or make some drastic changes. Thus, developmental needs change over time, which may affect health differently.
Midlife Adulthood
Midlife adulthood is another stage that is crucial to life development. This phase occurs between 40 and 45 years (Rogers, 2022). In addition, at this point, patients often question their past life choices and accomplishments or the possibility of attaining their youthful ambitions. The midlife transition period is filled with emotional difficulties, which may involve reflecting on old and new positions, redefinition of a person’s relationship with spouses, and change in career direction (Whitbourne & Whitbourne, 2020). Knowledge of Levinson’s theory of development helps caregivers understand the importance of healthy life transitions. In this case, failure to meet certain milestones may be detrimental to well-being and overall health outcomes. Thus, specific needs or tasks of each developmental stage guide caregivers in understanding their patients’ needs and planning appropriate individualized care to prevent adult health disorders.
Big Five Personality Theory
The Big Five personality traits help understand the relationships between a patient’s personality and other life indicators, particularly physical health and well-being. Each trait represents a continuum where patients may rate higher in some personalities than others.
Openness
The openness personality describes a patient’s interest and curiosity in new experiences, values, ideas, or ways of thinking (Abdullahi et al., 2020). Patients with high rates of this trait tend to have unconventional standards and are often creative thinkers. Alternatively, patients with low openness are reluctant to try new things (Abdullahi et al., 2020). For example, a patient with a higher degree of openness may be more willing to try new treatment plans in case the conventional ones cease working, unlike those with low openness.
Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness is an important personality trait that may influence a patient’s behavior. This trait determines a patient’s discipline, organization or orderliness, and orientation toward set goals. Patients with high degrees of this personality tend to be good planners, more responsible, reliable, and hardworking (Abdullahi et al., 2020). As a result, they are more likely to have good academic grades, better job performance, and marital stability, which may positively influence their physical health and longevity (Abdullahi et al., 2020). Alternatively, patients with low conscientiousness may be disorganized and constantly make bad decisions because their actions are spontaneous and poorly informed. For instance, patients with low conscientiousness may experience increased stress levels due to negative life outcomes, which may adversely affect their psychological well-being.
Agreeableness
The agreeableness personality significantly shapes a patient’s behavior and habits. The trait describes how cooperative, kind and sympathetic patients are and whether they are modest, trustworthy, or generous with their resources (Abdullahi et al., 2020). Those with high agreeableness tend to be more accommodating, helpful, and friendly to others and are less likely to engage in conflicts or prioritize their needs above others (Ali, 2019). Consequently, patients with high agreeableness have increased happiness, life satisfaction, and emotional well-being because they get along with others (Ali, 2019). Alternatively, patients with low agreeableness have less empathy for others, making them hostile and antagonistic to other people. This may affect their relations with others, leading to poor social ties (Shi et al., 2018). For instance, an agreeable patient may be willing to let a health professional attend to another patient in need of more urgent care than them.
Extraversion
Extraversion significantly affects a patient’s social relationships, which impacts their general well-being. This personality is characterized by how warm, sociable, and enthusiastic a patient is while interacting with others (Ali, 2019). Patients with high extroversion are often chatty and like interacting with other people. Therefore, they are more likely to have increased life satisfaction and better health outcomes because they experience more positive emotions from their engagement with others (Abdullahi et al., 2020). Conversely, introverted patients may be more reserved and aloof. This may lead to chronic mental disorders due to the buildup of negative emotions and the lack of an avenue to express themselves (Shi et al., 2018). For example, extroverted patients are likelier to choose group counseling over individual therapies.
Neuroticism
Neuroticism influences a patient’s ability to regulate their negative emotions. This trait describes the degree of negative feelings patients experience and the impacts of such emotions on their health. It is mainly characterized by emotional instability, sadness, and irritability (Shi et al., 2018). Patients with high rates of neuroticism exhibit anxiety, mood swings, nervousness, and fear. They are also easily upset, temperamental, and worry about many things. This leads to adverse effects on their emotional and psychological well-being as well as decreased life satisfaction and happiness (Ali, 2019). Conversely, those with low neuroticism are more emotionally resilient because they can effectively cope with stress. For example, patients with high neuroticism may be unwilling to embrace new treatment approaches for fear that they are ineffective.
Reflection
Divorce and Marriage
Developmental theories provide insights into challenges that take place across the lifespan. In this case, one factor I find to be most impactful in shaping adulthood is divorce and marriage. According to Levinson’s theory, middle adulthood is about questioning what it means to be old and what lies ahead (Rogers, 2022). In this regard, people often assess whether relationship choices they made previously were satisfying or make changes that lead to greater satisfaction. As a result, decisions in this stage may lead to divorce or remarriage. The stress of a marital breakup may seriously impact both psychological and physical well-being. Even if divorce and marriage are part of life, emotional resilience is critical in improving long-term health outcomes in this developmental stage.
Personality Traits
The second most impactful factor is personality traits. These behavioral characteristics may affect character, dispositions, and adult choices, altering different aspects of their lives. A maladaptive trait, such as neuroticism, appears to limit life transitions from the early to mid-forties (Sayehmiri et al., 2020). For example, emotional instability is known to impede mid-life occupational advancement and negotiation of people’s relationships with their spouses. In this case, people experiencing negative emotions may present symptoms such as anxiety, guilt, and depression. In addition, they may be insecure and experience low self-confidence (Hao et al., 2019). Thus, personality may negatively impact individuals’ quality of life, from being productive and flexible professionally to building or maintaining relationships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, developmental theories provide a context that healthcare professionals may consider in care delivery to improve patients’ health outcomes. Levinson’s theory of adult development offers a framework for understanding a patient’s emotional and psychological state to enable health practitioners to provide patient-centered care. For instance, a patient’s psychological needs in early adulthood differ from those in middle adulthood because their circumstances differ. In addition, the big five personality traits are also pivotal in understanding and responding to patients’ unique needs. The traits shape a patient’s behavior and habits, which may affect their social, emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Therefore, healthcare professionals must understand the developmental models to tailor medical care based on a patient’s needs.
References
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Rogers, T. A. (2022). Human behavior in the social environment: Perspectives on development and the life course. Routledge.
Sayehmiri, K., Kareem, K. I., Abdi, K., Dalvand, S., & Gheshlagh, R. G. (2020). The relationship between personality traits and marital satisfaction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychology, 8(1), 1-8. Web.
Shi, J., Yao, Y., Zhan, C., Mao, Z., Yin, F., & Zhao, X. (2018). The relationship between big five personality traits and psychotic experience in a large non-clinical youth sample: The mediating role of emotion regulation. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9(648), 1-7. Web.
Whitbourne, S.K., & Whitbourne, S.B. (2020). Adult development and aging: Biopsychosocial perspectives. Wiley.