Ego development and the liberal arts

Ego development is the conceptual framework an individual uses to interpret and react to everyday life. High levels of ego development are marked by an increase in tolerance of
individual differences, meaningful relationships with others, and a view of the world as complex.
Liberal arts colleges may help to increase ego level by exposing students to a variety of different
viewpoints, thereby broadening their worldview and expanding their ability for complex thought.
In studying the ego development of students at Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College (a liberal arts
college), it was found that total number of credits taken was significantly correlated with an
increase in ego development level. This correlation existed over and above the correlations found
between age and ego level as well as class year and ego level. Our results suggest that the unique
structure of the curriculum at Wilkes Honors College may be particularly effective in enhancing
ego development.