I'm not sure where and how to begin to answer this question. I read the chapter but I'm still not coming up with how to answer it. I just need some help.

When you look at the idea of life stages, can we place ourselves in any self determined or appointed life stages? Are some of these self determined stages more significant than others?

If you're asking about Erikson's developmental stages, this site will help you.

http://www.support4change.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=108

Do any of these explanations describe your life now? How? Do you know of others who fit specific life stages?

So is that what it means when it say self determined or appointed life stages?

Are you asking about Erikson's life stages?

Sorry about that but no that is not what was in the chapter. The textbook that we are using is Journey of Adulthood by Bjorklund. There was nothing in the text that said it was based on Erikson's life stages.

What are Bjorklund's life stages?

I am not sure because it really does not say. Here is the topics that is covered in chapter 1 of the book. Basic Concepts in Adult

Development

Sources of Change
Normative Age-Graded Influences
Biology
Shared Experiences
Internal Change Processes
Normative History-Graded
Influences
Nonnormative Life Events
Sources of Stability
Genetics
Environment
Interactionist View
A Word about “Age”
Setting the Course: Some Guiding
Perspectives
Life-Span Developmental
Psychology Approach
Bioecological Model
of Development
Developmental Research
Methods
Measures
Analyses
Designs

Well thanks for the help, but my teacher finally emailed me back and explained it to me.

Great! I was at a loss without knowing your text book.

To begin answering this question, it would be helpful to understand the concept of life stages. Life stages refer to the distinct phases or periods that individuals go through during their lifetime. These stages are often characterized by specific physical, cognitive, emotional, and social developments.

Now, when it comes to determining or appointing life stages for ourselves, it's important to note that there is no universally agreed-upon framework. However, various theories and models exist that can provide a general understanding of life stages. Some common models include Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory, Jean Piaget's cognitive development theory, and Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory.

To answer whether we can place ourselves in self-determined or appointed life stages, it depends on personal perspective and contextual factors. Some individuals may choose to define and identify themselves within specific life stages based on their personal experiences, achievements, or biological markers (e.g., age, career milestones, marriage, parenthood, retirement). These self-identified life stages can provide structure and meaning to individuals' lives.

Other individuals may prefer to view life stages as more fluid and dynamic, acknowledging that people can move in and out of different phases or experiences at different times. They might prioritize personal growth, adaptability, and learning over rigidly defined stages.

When evaluating the significance of self-determined life stages, it is subjective and varies from person to person. Some individuals may find certain stages more significant due to societal expectations, cultural norms, or personal aspirations. For example, getting married or having a child may be considered significant life events for some, while others may view career advancements or personal growth as more important milestones.

In conclusion, to answer the question, consider your own understanding and beliefs about life stages, keeping in mind various theories and models. Reflect on your personal experiences, achievements, and what holds significance for you. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer, as the interpretation and significance of life stages can vary greatly among individuals.