What does the term "Ego Integrity vs Despair" refer to in Erikson's stages of development?

The term "Ego Integrity vs Despair" specifically refers to the stage of development identified by Erik Erikson that typically occurs during late adulthood. During this stage, individuals reflect on their lives and assess the experiences they have had. Those who feel a sense of fulfillment and pride in their accomplishments tend to achieve ego integrity, recognizing that they have lived a meaningful life. In contrast, those who look back with regret or significant dissatisfaction may experience despair, feeling as though they have failed to achieve their goals or live the life they desired. This introspective process is crucial for developing a sense of wholeness and acceptance in the later years of life.

The other choices, while relevant to different stages of development, do not pertain specifically to this stage of ego integrity and despair. They involve earlier developmental tasks that focus on relationship building, trust, or self-esteem.