HAVIGHURST’S

DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS
THEORY IN THE LIFE SPAN
 ROBERT J. HAVIGHURST
Havighurst’s main assertion is that
development is continuous throughout
the entire lifespan, occurring in stages,
where an individual moves from one
stage to the next by means of
successful resolution of problems or
performance of developmental tasks.
These tasks are typically encountered
by most people in the culture where
the individual belongs.
•Although many theorists are
responsible for contributing to the
Developmental Tasks Theory, it was
Robert J. Havighurst who
elaborated on this theory in the
most systematic and extensive
manner.
 THIS ARE THE LIST OF COMMON CRITICAL
DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS, CATEGORIZED
INTO SIX STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT WHICH
OFFERS A ROUGH PICTURE OF WHAT THESE
SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS ARE.
BELOW IS A PARTIAL LIST OF HAVIGHURST’S
DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS.
INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD –
BIRTH TO 5 YEARS

Learning to walk
Learning to control bodily
wastes
Learning to talk
Learning to form relationships
with family members
MIDDLE CHILDHOOD – 6 – 12 YEARS

Learning physical skills for playing

games
Developing school-related skills
such as reading , writing, and
counting
Developing conscience and
values
Attaining independence
ADOLESCENCE – 13 – 17 YEARS

Establishing emotional
independence from parents
Equipping self with skills needed
for productive occupation
Achieving gender-based social
role
Establishing mature relationships
with peers of both sexes
EARLY ADULTHOOD – 18 – 35
YEARS

Choosing a partner
Establishing a family
Managing a home
Establishing a career
MIDDLE AGE – 36 – 60 YEARS

Maintaining economic standard

of living
Performing civic and social
responsibilities
Relating to spouse as a person
Adjusting to physiological
changes
LATER MATURITY – OVER 60 YEARS

Adjusting to deteriorating
health and physical strength
Adjusting to retirement
Meeting social and civil
obligations
Adjusting to death or loss of
spouse