ego integrity vs. despair

Ego integrity versus despair is a stage in Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development occurring in older age. It involves reflecting on your life; if you feel satisfied with your accomplishments and relationships, you develop a sense of integrity, accepting your life as meaningful. However, if you have regrets, unresolved conflicts, or feel life lacked purpose, you may experience despair—feelings of regret, bitterness, or fear of death. This stage is about achieving a sense of inner peace; successful resolution leads to wisdom, while unresolved feelings can cause despair and hopelessness.