Integrity vs. Despair: a stage that older adults go through

Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development postulates that throughout our lives We face eight stages of development, each with a crisis that we must resolve. The last one is known as integrity vs. despair and is a kind of synthesis of its predecessors.

All phases are determined by the social interactions and challenges we face; Each one has implications for our personality, as well as emotional development. In this text, we analyze the characteristics and particularities of the last stage of Erikson’s theory and give you some advice to deal with it.

Integrity vs. Despair, am I satisfied or sorry for the life I have led?

The integrity stage vs. Desperation occurs in old age, starting at 65 years of age. It is characterized by a reflection on what has been experienced and the acceptance of one’s own mortality. During it, older adults experience a series of changes, physical, emotional and social challenges.

If integrity is achieved, it proves contentment and wisdom, while despair involves feelings of regret or meaninglessness. Facing the challenges of aging realistically and finding ways to maintain a meaningful life are keys to achieving wholeness.

What is integrity?

Integrity refers to the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment when looking back on life and feeling that goals have been achieved. Also that they lived in accordance with their own values ​​and principles.

Achieving integrity involves a sense of wisdom and tranquility, accepting both the limitations and losses that come with old age. An article from International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health warns that the integrity of this phase is conditioned by the previous ones: if your conflicts are not resolved, which are, in turn, those of your entire past life, you may experience despair.

The secret is to confront the challenges of old age and find ways to adapt to the physical and social changes that come with it. This involves maintaining meaningful social connections, a positive attitude toward aging, seeking a sense of purpose and meaning in life, and realistically accepting limitations or losses.

What are the benefits of integrity?

People who achieve integrity They feel at peace with themselves and with others. They developed a broad perspective on life and learned to value the experiences or lessons along their path. Likewise, they cultivated a sense of transcendence, where they can find meaning and purpose in their lives, even when facing challenges and losses.

Integrity includes a sense where different experiences and roles played come together in a representative personal narrative. According to a study published in Research on Aging, This sensation is associated with a reaffirmation of autonomy during old age..

It is important to note that integrity does not correlate with the absence of difficulties in life, but rather with an enriching attitude and perspective toward them.

What does despair imply?

Despair involves feelings of regret, bitterness and remorse, as well as the fear of death and the feeling that life lacks meaning or purpose.

Many find ways to maintain fulfilling and meaningful lives and continue to contribute to society in various ways. Additionally, integrity or despair varies depending on individual factors, such as personality, previous experiences, and available support systems.

What are the consequences of despair?

Just as integrity leads to positive emotional and psychological benefits, despair leads to negative consequences for a person’s well-being. This may cause emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and a general feeling of discomfort. Some of the associated features include the following:

Lack of meaning: The older adult questions the purpose and importance of his or her life, feeling that it lacks meaning or value.Fear of death: Despair is often accompanied by a persistent fear of death and the unknown that follows.Bitterness: It is possible to feel a general bitterness towards life and resentment towards others or the circumstances they perceive as responsible for their dissatisfaction.Repentance: They regret past decisions, missed opportunities, or failed relationships. This may derive, as noted in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatricsin episodes of frustration.

It is important to note that not all older adults experience despair at this stage.

How to promote integrity?

Achieving integrity is the goal of every person who reaches this stage, according to Erikson’s postulates. Although it depends on the accumulated circumstances of life, the following tips can encourage it.

Live according to your values

Identify what your personal and essential values ​​are; strive to live by them in all areas of your life. As you age, maintaining consistency between your values ​​and your actions is a powerful way to achieve integrity.

Fulfill your commitments

Whether they are personal, family or community commitments, Try to honor your promises and fulfill your responsibilities. Integrity means being trustworthy and following through on what you agree to do.

Be honest with yourself and others

Honesty is a fundamental pillar of integrity. Be honest with yourself about your feelings, needs and limitations. In turn, replicate this in your relationships and communications, avoiding manipulation or insincerity.

Practice empathy and respect

Integrity also involves treating others with empathy and respect. Strive for Understanding, valuing the perspectives of others, and treating everyone with dignity and courtesy promotes an environment of integrity. in your links.

Promote justice and equity

Seek equity and justice in both your actions and decisions. Avoid discrimination, try to be impartial in your relationships and in the way you get involved in your community. Contributing to the creation of a fair and equitable environment is an essential component of integrity.

Learn and grow constantly

Integrity also involves learning and adapting. Keep an open mind, seek new perspectives, and challenge your own beliefs and assumptions. Being willing to question yourself and grow as a person is part of the journey.

Similarly, a work published in Clinical Social Work Journal indicated that externalizing therapies, aimed at unlocking subjugated stories from the past, help enhance integrity. This is healing, empathizing and understanding the actions or moments of yesterday.. In other words, being resilient contributes to building this aspect.

How to minimize despair?

In conjunction with the previous recommendations, it is necessary to look for strategies to reduce feelings related to despair. In the process, favor the following.

Seek social support

Maintaining meaningful social connections is essential to counteract despair. You can join groups of people with similar interests, participate in community activities or contact friends in your environment.

Keep active

Regular physical exercise has a positive impact on emotional well-being. Do activities that fit your physical abilities and preferences. Additionally, it is beneficial to keep your mind active through reading, brain games, or continuous learning.

Set goals and purposes

Having clear goals and purposes provides a sense of direction and satisfaction. Set realistic goals that are meaningful to you, work towards them, whether related to health, family, hobbies or community service.

Cultivate hobbies and enjoyable activities

Find activities that bring you joy and personal satisfaction: reading, painting, listening to music or gardening, For example. Spending regular time on these tasks keeps your mood more positive.

Seek emotional support

If you feel overwhelmed by despair, consider speaking with a mental health professional. A psychologist or therapist provides tools and strategies to deal with your emotions and helps find ways to minimize despair.

Adopt a positive attitude

While it may be difficult in times of desperation, Try to focus on the positive aspects of your life and cultivate an optimistic attitude. Practice daily gratitude, journal writing, or do meditation exercises. mindfulness They are useful techniques.

Take care of your physical and emotional health

Prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. This means taking care of your health through balanced diet, adequate rest, stress management and regular medical care. A healthy body and a balanced mind are key to facing challenges with greater resilience.

Integrity vs. Despair is faced in different ways

It is important to keep in mind that each individual is unique and may experience the stage of integrity vs. despair differently. Some people navigate this phase relatively easily, while others need more support. to achieve integrity and avoid despair.

In any case, you should not hesitate to seek help from a psychologist if feelings of despair overwhelm you. Having specialized care favors the development of the last stage of psychosocial development.

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