Terri O'Fallon

The STAGES Model of Integral Consciousness

Terri O’Fallon’s (1943 - ) STAGES model (Spiritual, Translational, Action, Growth, Integral, Systemic) represents a groundbreaking contemporary contribution to constructivist-developmental theory. Building upon the foundational work of Jane Loevinger and Susanne Cook-Greuter, O’Fallon has developed a highly nuanced and empirically grounded framework that maps the hierarchical evolution of human consciousness with remarkable precision.

The STAGES model proposes a series of distinct developmental stages that individuals can move through, each characterized by a unique “way of looking”—a particular lens through which reality is perceived, processed, and understood. Unlike some prior models that might focus more exclusively on cognitive or egoic development, O’Fallon’s work emphasizes the integral nature of consciousness, showing how cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual capacities develop in tandem.

Key aspects of O’Fallon’s contribution include:

Expanded Developmental Spectrum: STAGES provides a more finely differentiated map of development, particularly at the later, post-postconventional levels, beyond what many previous models detailed. This allows for a more granular understanding of extremely rare and complex forms of consciousness.
Emphasis on “Ways of Looking”: O’Fallon articulates how each stage represents a shift in the structure of consciousness—not just what one thinks, but how one thinks, feels, and relates. This manifests in distinct meaning-making capacities, worldviews, and behaviors.
Integration of Multiple Lines: The STAGES model implicitly, and often explicitly, integrates insights from various developmental lines (cognitive, emotional, moral, interpersonal, spiritual) into a cohesive progression of integral consciousness.
Empirical Grounding: O’Fallon’s work is rigorously supported by extensive empirical research using sophisticated scoring methods, further refining and validating the nuanced distinctions between stages.
Application in Coaching and Development: The STAGES model has become a powerful tool in adult developmental coaching and leadership development, offering precise diagnostics and tailored interventions based on an individual’s current “way of looking.”

In essence, Terri O’Fallon’s STAGES model provides one of the most comprehensive and detailed contemporary maps of hierarchical developmental stages, offering profound insights into the evolving worldviews that shape human experience and the intricate processes by which individuals continually construct their understanding of meaning from early life through advanced forms of integral consciousness. Her work is a testament to the ongoing refinement of our understanding of human potential and psychological maturity.