Developmental psychologist Robert Kegan saw people as involved in a continuing cognitive process that lasts a lifetime and promotes personal growth by assigning sense and meaning to things and events. He proposed a theory concerning how we evolve to become socially mature. His five stages are as follows:

1. Incorporative - baby realizes that instead of "being" its reflects, it "has" reflexes that it can control

2. Impulsive - baby recognizes that it can "do" something to satisfy a need (e.g. get parent's attention to bring food if hungry)

3. Imperial - child is aware that he/or she "has" needs rather than that he/or she "is" the needs themselves; the child is not aware that anyone has needs at this point

4. Interpersonal - child becomes aware of other peoples' needs

5. Institutional - child develops "values" and can now understand the purpose/importance of laws and ethical guidelines