In Levinson's theory, which stage is characterized by committing to an occupation, refining goals, and seeking intimate relationships?

• A. age 30 transition
• B. Entering the Adult World
• C. Midlife transition
• D. Novice phase

Answer: (A)

In Levinson's model, early adulthood includes a stage focused on establishing adult roles. The phase where a person begins to commit to an occupation, refine career goals, and seek intimate relationships is entering the adult world. This stage is about turning a broad life dream into concrete commitments—starting a career, shaping realistic aims, and forming a meaningful intimate partnership. It sets up a stable life structure for later development. The age 30 transition is a subsequent period of reevaluation of that life structure, not the initial establishment of those commitments. Midlife transition occurs later in life as another major reassessment, and the term novice phase isn’t part of Levinson’s standard stages.