Real Paper
Ego integrity versus despair is the last stage of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, which occurs around the age of 65. During this stage, the individual will look back over their life and come away with either a sense of fulfillment and integrity from a life well lived or a sense of regret and despair over a life misspent (Davis, 1995; McLeod, 2013; Potter, 2005; Townsend, 2009).
A person that feels their life has been meaningful and important will be on the ego integrity side of the continuum (Potter, 2005) and continue to be a productive person (Townsend, 2009). This means having hobbies, socializing, caring for grandchildren, etc. They continue to feel that their life is important (McLeod, 2013). The individual has little desire to make major changes in how his or her life has progressed. Positive self-esteem is evident in the person (Davis, 1995).
If the person feels they have done nothing or little of value in their life they will head toward the despair side: withdrawing and depression. They feel worthless and helpless (Potter, 2005), and they would like to have a second chance at life (Townsend, 2009). Negative self-esteem is shown in the person (Davis, 1995).
A person that feels their life has been meaningful and important will be on the ego integrity side of the continuum (Potter, 2005) and continue to be a productive person (Townsend, 2009). This means having hobbies, socializing, caring for grandchildren, etc. They continue to feel that their life is important (McLeod, 2013). The individual has little desire to make major changes in how his or her life has progressed. Positive self-esteem is evident in the person (Davis, 1995).
If the person feels they have done nothing or little of value in their life they will head toward the despair side: withdrawing and depression. They feel worthless and helpless (Potter, 2005), and they would like to have a second chance at life (Townsend, 2009). Negative self-esteem is shown in the person (Davis, 1995).