Erikson maintained that the key process to resolving his eig

Erikson maintained that the key process to resolving his eighth crisis of integrity versus despair was introspection. Using introspection here, determine how you are going to reach the positive pole of this crisis.

Solution

Answer:

Erik Erikson’s stage theory consists of eight stages and integrity versus despair is the eighth stage. The final theory is the later adulthood (60 plus years) when a person begins to tackle the problems of ones mortality. This may often be triggered by retirement, loss of spouse and friends or facing a life threatening illness.

People usually recollect and review the life they have lived, and may be fulfilled from a well lived life or regret for the life misspent. Those who have been unsuccessful in their life will regret and feel that their life has been wasted, this leaving the individual with a feeling and sense of dispair. If the life lived was successful, it will lead to the virtue of wisdom which helps a person to look back with a sense of completeness and satisfaction. This would help to accept death without fear.   

A very important aspect to overcome the feeling of a misspent life is expressing gratitude and cultivating a sense of optimism. This involves a way of thinking positively and appreciating the good deeds done in life rather than the bad ones. Cultivating optimism focuses on the habit of looking on the brighter side of life and think positively.

Overthinking and comparing with others is the main reason which brings unhappiness, increases sadness and decreases motivation. Avoiding overthinking and comparing with others can go a long way to initiate a feeling of happiness and accept the future without fear.