Erik Erikson’s theory of ego integrity proposes that older adults transition into a stage of holistic reflection around age 60, which can result in wisdom or hopelessness. Support and reminiscence can help resolve the crisis, and community interactions are important for psychological development.
In psychology, the concept of ego integrity can refer generally to the development of a healthy ego or specifically to one of the developmental stages proposed by the psychologist Erik Erikson. Erikson believed that humans go through eight different stages of development during their lifetime, with ego integrity being the final stage. At each point, the individual would have to face one crisis and resolve it in order to move on to the next, or fail and remain in a stage of arrested development. Erikson’s research was especially important, as he was one of the first psychologists to specifically examine the developmental role of aging.
Erikson argued that older adults transitioned into a developmental stage of ego integrity versus hopelessness around age 60. A successful resolution of the crisis would result in a holistic and complete view of life, while failure would generate depression and hopelessness. Support such as close association with friends and family could help older adults navigate this developmental stage. Erikson theorized that in a society with well-adjusted elders, children would be less likely to fear aging and death.
The seizure at this stage is typically brought on by a reminder of mortality. As people get older, their friends and family start dying, which can trigger worries about death and dying. This can also prompt an older adult to reflect on life, thinking about successes and failures. If this reflection in the form of a series of reminiscences is successful, the crisis should be resolved. The patient will feel satisfied with the choices made in life and with each contribution made to the community, and will enter a state that Erikson called wisdom.
Failure during the developmental stage of ego integrity can lead to hopelessness. Seniors who don’t feel like they’ve lived a well-rounded life can develop depression and distress. Others may lack the support they need to think about their lives due to living in isolation, unable to reach friends and family, or being rejected in attempts to remember their lives. Talking to people around them about their lives can help older adults resolve the crisis of ego integrity versus hopelessness.
Awareness of this theory is especially important for gerontologists and other health professionals who work with older adults. They must be able to offer the most appropriate services at their rates. Evidence that reminiscence is highly beneficial for psychological development highlights the need for older adults to have access to community interactions; Projects such as interviewing veterans, for example, can help older adults overcome the ego-integrity stage while also gathering information of historical and cultural interest.
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