In late adulthood, which stage is characterized by reflecting on life and feeling fulfilled or disappointed?

In late adulthood, which stage is characterized by reflecting on life and feeling fulfilled or disappointed?

• A. Integrity vs Despair
• B. Trust vs Mistrust
• C. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
• D. Initiative vs Guilt

Answer: (A)

This item tests understanding of Erikson’s stage that appears in late adulthood, where the central task is to reflect on one’s life and assess its meaning. When a person perceives their life as having been meaningful and coherent, they develop integrity—a sense of wholeness, acceptance, and satisfaction with the life they’ve lived. If the review reveals regrets or unfulfilled goals, despair can emerge, bringing feelings of disappointment, bitterness, and fear of death. This framework guides practice with older adults by encouraging supportive activities like life review, validation of experiences, addressing unresolved issues, and helping find meaning and closure. The other stages occur earlier in development: trust versus mistrust focuses on forming foundational trust in caregivers; autonomy versus shame and doubt centers on gaining independence and self-control; initiative versus guilt involves beginning, planning, and taking on leadership in exploration. They are not about late-life reflection and its emotional outcomes.

This item tests understanding of Erikson’s stage that appears in late adulthood, where the central task is to reflect on one’s life and assess its meaning. When a person perceives their life as having been meaningful and coherent, they develop integrity—a sense of wholeness, acceptance, and satisfaction with the life they’ve lived. If the review reveals regrets or unfulfilled goals, despair can emerge, bringing feelings of disappointment, bitterness, and fear of death. This framework guides practice with older adults by encouraging supportive activities like life review, validation of experiences, addressing unresolved issues, and helping find meaning and closure.

The other stages occur earlier in development: trust versus mistrust focuses on forming foundational trust in caregivers; autonomy versus shame and doubt centers on gaining independence and self-control; initiative versus guilt involves beginning, planning, and taking on leadership in exploration. They are not about late-life reflection and its emotional outcomes.