ABSTRACT
Levinson describes the “advancement within a stable life structure” pattern as one in which life proceeds more or less according to expectations. 1 During the early phase of the settling-down period (age thirty-three to thirty-six), the individual makes his primary commitments, defines his vocation, and gradually strengthens the initial life structure. Then, during the later phase of the settling-down period, when involved in becoming his own man (age thirty-six to forty), his personal ambitions receive external support and he continues to advance. It is true that he may experience much hardship and suffering, but the stresses are manageable and the satisfactions outweigh the difficulties. It is also true that significant changes may occur during the settling-down period, but these represent advancement (or difficulties) within the existing structure and not a change in this basic structure.
