Introduction
Through the years, theorists use a variety of theories in attempts to explain human development socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Among the most used theories are those of psychosocial development; the main contributor is Erik Erikson. His theory on psychosocial development is one of the most influential personality theories; he focuses on the belief that a human being develops in stages. The occurrences at every stage develop the person’s psychosocial abilities; Erikson explores the influence of social experiences throughout a person’s lifespan (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2006). The development of ego identity is a significant element in Erikson’s stages; ego identity refers to the conscious sense of self a person has. It develops through social interactions; the changes in a person’s social experiences in turn results in changes in his/her ego identity.
Apart from the ego’s influence, people have a sense of competence; this motivates actions and behavior throughout life. There is a need to achieve the sense of competence at every stage of development; if this does not occur, the person develops feelings of inadequacy. However, if the stage is handled well and the competence achieved, the person acquires feelings of mastery; this translates into ego quality and ego strength (Kail& Cavanaugh, 2010). This research paper focuses on the resolution of conflict at Erikson’s last stage of psychosocial development; the Integrity versus Despair stage. It explores the stage’s components and its relevance to the lives of older members of the society. It also explores the significance of the stage in the lives of older people suffering from developmental disabilities.
Overview of Integrity versus Despair
Integrity versus Despair is the last stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development stages; it occurs between 65years and death. At this stage, the elderly reflect on life; this determines whether they develop a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment or regret (Kail& Cavanaugh, 2010). Those who are unsuccessful in life have many regrets and feel wasted; despair shows through deep resentment, low esteem, complaints, irritability and anger towards the world, self and others. A sense of integrity, on the other hand, is evident among those who feel proud of their lifelong accomplishments. They look back with little or no regrets; integrity shows through pride, contentment, healthy interaction with self and others, wisdom, acceptance of death and sharing with others.Erikson describes wisdom as a detached and informed concern with life even in the face of death itself.
In Erikson’s opinion, the stage commences when one experiences a sense of mortality; this results from retirement, death of a close friend, spouse or change in social roles. It results in life’s final crisis; the person begins to review his life and evaluate how he lived socially, career-wise and in other aspects. It focuses on the challenges, accomplishments and failures throughout life; the person develops a conclusion on whether life was a success or failure. How a person handles the last stage of development determines his/her coping with variouschallenges associated with old age (Mauk, 2010). The stage has significance in the lives of elderly people experiencing developmental disabilities.
Literature Review
Erikson provides a comprehensive analysis of the last stage of psychosocial development; this makes his writings on Integrity versus Despair subject of discussions by many researchers, psychologists, sociologists and so on. It is the central focus of many life review studies; this focuses on the measurement of ego integrity, life satisfaction, self-esteem and psychological wellbeing in reference to lifespan development (Haber, 2006).
According to Berk (2013), the final conflict in Erikson’s stages involves a person’s ability to come to terms with occurrences, failures and achievements in his/her life. Those who realize a sense of integrity feel complete, whole and satisfied with their actions. Throughout their lives, such individuals develop means of adapting to disappointments and triumphs; they accept that the choices they made, whether good or bad, were instrumental in shaping the ultimate meaning of their lives. Adults likely to achieve a sense of integrity are those who view life from a wide context of humanity rather than just their own part in life; they acquire the serenity and contentment that accompanies integrity (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2006). Ego integrity contributes to a person’s overall wellbeing; studies show that successful conflict resolution in the eight stage contributes to psychological wellbeing through; good moods, self-acceptance, close relationships with others, marital satisfaction and accepting assistance from others. Negative outcomes result from making wrong choices in one’s life. By the time old age reaches, time is not enough to find a way of acquiring integrity. It results in the inability to accept the nearing death; the person develops defeat, bitterness and hopelessness. A person at this stage may disguise his contempt for oneself by exhibiting anger towards others.
According to Hearn et al. (2011), occurrences in the last stage depend on the experiences of previous stages. The post-retirement period depicts the development of integrity based on one’s accomplishments in the other stages. The most influential stages include; Industry versus Inferiority, Intimacy versus Isolation, and Generativity versus Stagnation (Kail& Cavanaugh, 2010). The relative proximity of death pushes people in old age to reflect upon the issues of personal integrity. Whether it is conscious or not, senior citizens find themselves questioning whether they lived in a worthwhile or useless manner (Hearn et al. 2011). It results in despondency and disappointment or reconciliation and acceptance. Through a life review process,they seek to establish a balance between their achievements and disappointments. It results in the creation of an ego equilibrium in realizing integrity. Apart from integration and despair, the author explores a third concept known as non-exploratory. In this experience, the person exhibits contentment with his/her life; however, he/she prevents any further development. For instance, one may have a successful career and family, but exhibit little interest in self-examination or understanding the full meaning of life. The person’s actions and choices remain confined within the limited attitudes and worldviews they learn through life.
Parker (2013), states that a person’s ability to accept past occurrences, good or bad, determines the development of death attitudes in old age. The existential reality of human life gains significance as one becomes older; it occurs through; the body’s physical decline, major life transitions, awareness of limitations and the experience of loss. The challenges should be sufficiently dealt with; the inability to cope result in anxiety, illness, depression and even suicide.In old age, people should develop a positive attitude; they should view old age as a period of gain and growth not loss and decline. It ensures old age facilitates the development of psychological health through; a focus on inner reflection, investing in time, personal growth and relationships.According to author, a person who lives a fulfilling and meaningful life, despite the failures and challenges, is more likely to face the reality of imminent death without anxiety or fear.
The onset of old age results in developmental complications; a large percentage of senior citizens suffer from such complications; according to Senior Resource Guide (2013), this results in a need for services catering for the needs of developmentally disabled senior citizens. Erikson illustrated the decline of physical health as one reached the eighth stage. At this stage, a person who has developed integrity welcomes aid fromothers; he/she interacts with and lets them help in coping with the challenges of old age. Those who fail to resolve the conflict develop feelings of resentment towards othersand are often unwilling to accept help when facing challenges.
According to CCFCS (2013), a person’s personality and attributes remain stable throughout the lifespan. Erikson’s last stage of development depicts older adults’ attempts tointegrate their unique experiences with visions of the community. The acquisition of ego integrity occurs through; satisfaction with accomplishments, acceptance of life, feeling of wholeness, and accepting that death is approaching. A person with despair experiences unhappiness and hopelessness; he/she fears that death is near.
Kail and Cavanaugh (2010) depict wisdom as the significant virtue in Integrity versus Despair stage; a reflection on life’s experiences determines whether one feels accomplished or frustrated. People with integrity experience satisfaction and limited regrets, whereas, those with despair have many regrets concerning their lives. Josselson (2013) depicts Erikson’s focus on the need to balance integrity and despair at the end of life’s cycle. The crisis or conflict emerges from one’s realization that there is inadequate time for the correction of one’s mistakes and realization of unfulfilled dreams. Whether this occurs intentionally or due to challenge such as physical and developmental disabilities, there is a need for balance. The achievement of balance eliminates feelings associated with despair such as anxiety, depression and bitterness. Through reminiscence and review of life, a person comes to terms with occurrences in his/her life (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2006).
Relation of Erikson’s Stage to Senior Citizens
A person’s growth and development leads him/her through a variety of stages; this is according to Erik Erikson. The lifespan, period from birth to death, involves a series of events which determine how a person develops psychosocially. Throughoutthe process, he/she interacts with him/herself, the environment and other people; the quality of this interaction determines the extent to which the person resolves conflicts in life. According to Erikson, the resolution of these conflicts determinesthe successful growth through the stages until death, the end of life’s cycle (Josselson, 2013).
As people become older, they are aware of new challenges associated with every stage. Until one reaches the eighth stage, he/she must strive to live a fulfilling and successful life. Erikson’s stages show that every stage of life comes with different expectations and responsibilities; these vary depending on the person and cultural differences. For instance, in the early years, the child plays, learns, acquires knowledge and develops social interaction. Throughout the teenage years, he/she develops relationships, a sense of commitment and goals for the future. In early adulthood, the person works hard towards the achievement of career and personal goals, establishment of permanent relationships and self-fulfillment. The late adulthood years depict service to others, looking back at one’s accomplishments and life’s journey. In order to live a satisfactory old age, one must strive to ensure a resolution of conflicts at every stage of development.The last stage of psychosocial development depends largely on the other stages; in order to resolve the crisis at this stage, one must have done the same in the previous stages. The successful experience of the previous seven stages prepares one for the experiences of old age.
A reduction in work in old age gives one an opportunity to enjoy life and engage in hobbies. He/she makes up for the years spent working, investing and developing long lasting achievements. However, those who do not go through the stages successfully experience challenges. For them, old age is not something to look forward to; the regrets and wishes of things they could have done differently consumes them; this makes them depressed and sad thus prevents the enjoyment of old age. Aging is a process that cannot be avoided. Instead of worrying about the future, people should focus on making the present worthwhile and strive to be the best they can be.
Relation of Erikson’s Stage to Senior Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
Apart from the failure to live a fulfilling life, there are other factorsthat may result in despair in the last stage of life according to Erikson’s psychosocial development. There are people who successfully resolve conflicts at the first seven stages of life. However, the last stage may still result in despair; this can be caused by a variety of complications. For instance, developmental disability, death of a spouse, childlessness and medical complications may result in a life of suffering.
Developmental disabilities limit a person’s daily living skills in two or more areas; it also affects overall intellectual functioning. In senior citizens, developmental disabilities they may have suffered from in their early lives may result in challenges during the later years of life. They impair the person’s ability to carry out activities or comprehend the reality that life is nearing an end. Neurological complications listed as developmental disabilities also include; cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and Down’s syndrome among others. Such complications interfere with one’s ability to interact socially; if not handled properly by professionals, social development becomes impaired (Mauk, 2010). The people with neurological complications mayalso have dual diagnosis; this is evident in cases where they also suffer from physical disabilities like paralysis and blindness. The inability to establish strong social relationships may also result in low self-esteem and confidence. Thus, throughout life, an individual feels inferior and unable to accomplish a variety of tasks. By old age, he/she experiences feelings of regret and disappointment; one looks back and imagines the things he/she could have accomplished or done differently.
Though some people develop developmental disabilities later in life, others experience them from birth; they are thus forced to go through life with the challenges associated with the disability. According to Erikson, this affects how they resolve crises at every stage, and ultimately the last stage. In most cases it limits the chances of acquiring integrity unless the disability is handled well from childhood.
Old age results in a need for services catering for the developmentally disabled senior citizens’ needs. Erikson depicted the decline in mental and physical health as one reached old age; the integrity versus despair stage specifically. At this stage, the development of integrity is evident in people who are warm and welcomed help from others; people help them with tasks they can no longer accomplish. The people who suffer from despair develop resentment feelings for themselves; they resent others in an attempt to cover the resentment they have for themselves. Such individuals do not accept or admit that they need help in coping with the challenges of old age.
Chronic disease and physical decline associated with oldage results in the decline loss of personal control; this affects mental health thus certain forms of developmental disability. As one becomes older, the body weakens and experiences difficulties in coping with complications in old age. It results in social isolation; many older people who cannotoperate efficiently on their own may be isolated by family or the community members who view them as an unnecessary burden (Mauk, 2010).
Summary of issues
The impact of developmental disabilities on the life of senior citizens is evident; this makes their last years of life a struggle; the situation needs correction. Despite the extent, type or influence of the disabilities, the provision of appropriate care ensures improved quality of life for the elderly. In Erikson’s view, the last years of life should be spent in happiness and reminiscence of a life well lived; this should not be prevented by developmental disabilities. Whether they receive care at home or in retirement homes, the elderly should receive necessary services, personal care, behavioral and emotional support. The care should occur under nurses, doctors and other professionals capable of catering for the people’s needs; this eases coping with old age.
Emotional and psychological therapy also help the elderly in avoiding feelings of despair, bitterness, anxiety and even fear of death itself (Mauk, 2010). They develop an acceptance of the life they have lived and strive to make the most of the limited time they have. Elderly people with certain developmental disabilities may have challenges in coping with losses such as death of close friends or a spouse. Through therapy, they accept death as part of life’s cycle (2013). The provision of social support reduces stress and the impact of old agecomplications; this ensures physical and psychological wellbeing. Family members, the community and healthcare practitioners, should collaborate in ensuring the provision of quality services for senior citizens. It ensures they spend their last moments of life in happiness and contentment.According to Erikson, life in old age can also be enriched through the development of; healthy relationships with one’s adult children, friendships with fellow senior citizens, closeness with one’s living siblings, strong bonds with youths in the community if one is childless and coping with widowhood.
Those who achieve integrity accept their lives and death as inevitable parts of life’s cycle. Erikson’s theory provides an understanding of the role of developmental disabilities in old age, and how they can hinder the attainment of integrity. The disabilities that exist from birth cause depression and despair. It is necessary to ensure senior citizens are properly taken care of socially, medically, psychologically and physically. It ensures they live their last years in a fulfilling manner.
Conclusion
In Erikson’s last stage of Integrity versus Despair, he emphasizes the need for success in the previous stages; successful resolution increases an individual’s chances of attaining integrity in old age. It occurs when a person experiences satisfaction with his/her accomplishments and has few regrets; it results in happiness and a fulfilling life in one’s sunset years. However, despair occurs when one feels bitterness andregret due to the inability to have a fulfilling and accomplished life; this results in anger, anxiety, sadness and fear of death.
Erikson’s views and concepts are valid and significant in understanding the experiences of senior citizens as they enter the final stage of development. He portrays a clear understanding of complications and life associated with developmental disabilities, acquired from birth, in old age; he makes evident their negative effect and the need to eliminate these effects in order to ensure a wholesome life in old age.
It gives health providers and family members of affected senior citizens an understanding of the negative influence of developmental disabilities in the older people’s lives. Erikson depicts how such disabilities hinder the acquisition of a fulfilling life and integrity in old age (National Council on Aging and Older People, 2007). Families and caretakers thus focus on means of providing quality care and limiting the impact of developmental disabilities on senior citizens’ experiences during their last years of life. The provision of quality services to the elderly depends on a needs assessment and selection of relevant coping strategies; this occurs in reference to the disabilities.
Reference
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