Which stage describes the later-in-life evaluation of one's life choices and sense of integrity?

Which stage describes the later-in-life evaluation of one's life choices and sense of integrity?

• A. Integrity vs Despair
• B. Generativity vs Stagnation
• C. Identity vs Confusion
• D. Intimacy vs Isolation

Answer: (A)

In Erikson’s framework, the final stage in late adulthood centers on looking back at the life lived and deciding whether it feels meaningful. If a person believes their life has been coherent and worthwhile, they gain integrity—a sense of fulfillment and acceptance about their choices. If they view their past with regret and unfinished business, despair can emerge, bringing bitterness and fear about the end of life. That’s why this stage is the one described as the later-in-life evaluation of life choices and sense of integrity. The other stages address different life periods: Generativity vs stagnation focuses on midlife concerns about contributing to the next generation and society; Identity vs confusion centers on forming a stable sense of self during adolescence and young adulthood; Intimacy vs isolation deals with forming close, meaningful relationships in young adulthood.

In Erikson’s framework, the final stage in late adulthood centers on looking back at the life lived and deciding whether it feels meaningful. If a person believes their life has been coherent and worthwhile, they gain integrity—a sense of fulfillment and acceptance about their choices. If they view their past with regret and unfinished business, despair can emerge, bringing bitterness and fear about the end of life. That’s why this stage is the one described as the later-in-life evaluation of life choices and sense of integrity.

The other stages address different life periods: Generativity vs stagnation focuses on midlife concerns about contributing to the next generation and society; Identity vs confusion centers on forming a stable sense of self during adolescence and young adulthood; Intimacy vs isolation deals with forming close, meaningful relationships in young adulthood.