Kegan and Lahey’s Model

Kegan and Lahey’s Model of personal development describes how adults grow by evolving their inner beliefs and habits that influence how they see themselves and respond to challenges. It identifies five stages, from reacting automatically to increasingly reflective and aware modes of thinking. The model emphasizes that meaningful change happens when individuals recognize and shift underlying assumptions, enabling them to handle complex situations more effectively. This process fosters greater openness, adaptability, and resilience, helping people move from reactive patterns to more intentional, growth-oriented ways of functioning.