According to Erikson’s psychosocial theory, what is the main developmental task of older adults?
A.
Trust vs mistrust.
B.
Generativity vs stagnation.
C.
Ego integrity vs despair.
D.
Identity vs role confusion.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Ego integrity vs despair.
Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory outlines eight stages of human development, each characterized by a specific conflict that individuals must resolve to develop a healthy personality and acquire basic virtues. In older adulthood, typically defined as starting around age 65, the primary psychosocial task is “Ego Integrity vs. Despair.”
During this stage, older adults reflect on their lives, evaluating their accomplishments and failures. If they perceive their lives as having been meaningful and fulfilling, they develop a sense of ego integrity. This sense of integrity leads to feelings of wisdom, acceptance, and satisfaction. Individuals who achieve this integrity feel a sense of peace about their past, and they can accept their mortality without significant fear or regret.
Conversely, if older adults look back on their lives with a sense of dissatisfaction or regret, they may experience despair. This despair manifests as feelings of bitterness, resentment, and hopelessness regarding missed opportunities or unresolved conflicts. Older adults who struggle with this stage may become anxious about death and the legacy they leave behind.
Erikson posits that successful resolution of this stage results in the virtue of wisdom, which reflects a deep understanding of life and the human condition. It also allows individuals to impart lessons learned to younger generations, fostering generativity. The outcome of this developmental stage is crucial for promoting psychological well-being in late adulthood, as it influences how individuals cope with aging and their eventual death. Thus, achieving ego integrity is essential for a positive transition into the later stages of life, impacting overall mental health and quality of life.