Research
DRI is committed to sound research that documents the impact of developmental approaches in individuals and human systems, grounding research in application, and application in research. We also foster the evolution of research models and assessment tools that document the unfolding of awareness in individuals and collectives.
Validation Highlights
The STAGES developmental model has been the subject of rigorous validation research. Key findings from the ESRAD 2021 research summary (O’Fallon, Murray et al.):
Featured Studies
Dissertation and Academic Studies
DRI serves as a clearinghouse for references and research that document the nature, patterns, and full-spectrum trajectory of consciousness development. Below is a curated collection of studies using the Loevinger lineage generally, and the STAGES model specifically.
Natasha Mantler, PhD
A Path to Wholeness: Women’s Authentic Leadership Development
Abigail Lynam, PhD
Principles and Practices for Developmentally Aware Teaching and Mentoring in Higher Education
John Churchill
Contemplative Psychology, Metacognition and Ego Development
Eric Reynolds
Next-Stage Organizations: A Transdisciplinary Case Study
Barrett C. Brown, PhD
Conscious Leadership for Sustainability: How Leaders with a Late-Stage Action Logic Design and Engage in Sustainability Initiatives
Neural Research
Daniel P. Brown
Co-author of “Mapping Complex Mind States: EEG Neural Substrates of Meditative Unified Compassionate Awareness” (Schoenberg, Ruf, Churchill, Brown & Brewer, 2018, Consciousness and Cognition), an EEG study mapping the neural signatures of distinct meditative states of awareness.
Ongoing Research
Active research threads advancing the STAGES model.
Growing Through Collaboration
Research at DRI grows through collaboration. We welcome partnerships with researchers, academic institutions, and funders committed to advancing the empirical study of human development.
