How Did Erickson's Theory Contribute To The Development Of Early Adulthood?

1. Using one of the theories in your Reading, why do you think an older adult might choose to live in the same house that she has occupied for most of her adult life, rather than moving into a smaller apartment? Explain.
Berk (2014) describes the last stage of Erikson’s theory as ego integrity versus despair. In this stage, the older adult has accepted their current position and either is satisfied with how they lived their entire life until now or regretting that they did not fulfill their divine purpose in life. For those who have accepted life and maintain their involvement with life, whether through community services, relationships, or friendships, they are content with life and comfortable with their current situation. For this reason, change is not necessary. The older adult is satisfied and familiar with his or her surroundings and would want to spend the rest of their lives with what they are most accustomed to rather than moving to a different environment in which they are clueless about. These characteristics describe Erickson’s ego integrity. However, if the older adult is still searching for their
The treatment plan would consist of the different stages of grief, which includes “denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance” (Devine, M., 2014). The group must understand that the stages are normal and each person may go through them differently, but that that is also normal. The next step is for the participants to write down in a journal what they are feeling. Journaling will allow the person who is grieving an opportunity to express their feelings and give them an outlet to externally release all of their internal emotions and thoughts. Lastly, starting a support group with people who are also going through the same process of grieving would be beneficial to the participants as