integrity versus despair

the eighth and final stage of Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development, which occurs during old age. In this stage, the individual reflects on the life he or she has lived and may develop either integrity—a sense of satisfaction in having lived a good life and the ability to approach death with equanimity—or despair—a feeling of bitterness about opportunities missed and time wasted, and a dread of approaching death. Also called ego integrity versus despair.

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Psychology term of the day

January 20th 2025

response cost

a procedure in operant conditioning in which certain responses result in loss of a valued commodity. The intent of such procedures is to produce punishment. See negative punishment.