Robert Havighurst

Developmental Stages and Tasks of the Adult

Definition:

Havighurst's model focuses on various sequential sociocultural patterns of development and values to which adults must adapt during their adult years. His model ties the stages of an adult's development with specific ages.

Assumptions about Learning:

Various tasks that arise during each stage of an adult's life result in "teachable moments". These moments create a need and/or a readiness to learn on the individual's part.

Brief History:

Born in 1900 in Wisconsin. Received Ph.D. from Ohio State University in physical chemistry. Received a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard working on the structure of the atom. Accepted position as assistant professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin in 1928 and as advisor in the Experimental College there. From this experience his interest shifted to education. In 1941 he became a professor of education at the University of Chicago. It was around this time that he began his work in the field of aging. He was also interested in international and comparative aspects of education.

Major Tenets:

Havighurst's Developmental Stages and Tasks of the Adult

Early Adulthood

selecting a mate
learning to live with a marriage partner
starting a family
rearing children
managing a home
getting started in an occupation
assuming civic responsibility
finding a congenial social group

Middle Age

achieving adult civic and social responsibility
establishing and maintaining an economic standard of living
assisting adolescent children to become responsible/happy adults
developing leisure time activities
accepting and adjusting to the physiologic changes of middle age.
adjusting to the aging of parents

Later Maturity

adjusting to decreasing physical strength and health
adjusting to the death of a spouse
adjusting to retirement and reduced income
establishing an explicit affiliation with one's age group
meeting social and civic obligations
establishing satisfactory physical living arrangements