Which of the following describes a key theme in Levinson's theory of adult development?

• A. The emphasis on operant conditioning as the primary driver of personality change
• B. The concept of life structure, which refers to the underlying pattern or design of a person's life at a given time
• C. The focus on attachment styles formed in early childhood
• D. The idea that cognitive development ends in adolescence

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of Levinson's theory, which focuses on adult development and the changes individuals experience throughout adulthood.
2. Step 2: Identify the key concept in Levinson's theory, which is the 'life structure.' This refers to the overall pattern or design of a person's life at a particular time, including relationships, roles, and goals.
3. Step 3: Recognize that Levinson's theory emphasizes how adults transition through different stages, each characterized by changes in their life structure.
4. Step 4: Differentiate Levinson's theory from other psychological theories by noting that it does not primarily focus on operant conditioning, attachment styles, or cognitive development ending in adolescence.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the key theme in Levinson's theory is the concept of life structure as the central framework for understanding adult development.