National Counselor Exam (NCE)

What stage of Erikson's psychosocial development is exemplified by an elderly person reflecting on their life?

1. Ego integrity

2. Generativity

3. Intimacy vs. isolation

4. Identity vs. role confusion

The correct answer is: Ego integrity

The stage of Erikson's psychosocial development exemplified by an elderly person reflecting on their life is ego integrity. In this final stage of development, individuals look back on their life and evaluate their experiences, achievements, and overall life satisfaction. Success in this stage leads to feelings of wisdom and a sense of fulfillment, while failure may result in feelings of regret and despair. During this stage, individuals often contemplate whether they lived a meaningful life and whether they have made a lasting impact on others. This process of reflection is crucial for achieving overall psychological health. If they feel that they have lived authentically and made positive contributions, they cultivate a sense of integrity. In contrast, those who struggle with unresolved conflicts or regrets may wrestle with feelings of dissatisfaction and fear concerning their mortality. The other stages mentioned focus on different developmental tasks and conflicts, such as forming intimate relationships and achieving a sense of identity. However, ego integrity specifically addresses the reflection and evaluation that occurs later in life as individuals confront the culmination of their experiences.