Ego Integrity vs. Despair corresponds to which life stage?

• A. Infancy 0-6
• B. Late Adulthood - 65+ years old
• C. Adolescence 13-18
• D. Middle Adulthood 40-65

Answer: (B)

In Erikson’s psychosocial development framework, the final stage focuses on reflecting on one’s life and coming to terms with it. In late adulthood, people look back over their experiences, choices, and achievements to decide whether they feel a sense of integrity or whether they experience despair. Ego integrity means viewing one’s life as meaningful and complete, while despair involves regret, disappointment, and fear of death. This stage typically aligns with ages 65 and up, when aging brings life review to the forefront. Earlier stages—trust in infancy, identity in adolescence, and generativity in middle adulthood—address different developmental tasks that precede this final stage.