What is the primary concern for individuals in the stage of ego integrity versus despair?

The primary concern for individuals in the stage of ego integrity versus despair, as outlined by Erik Erikson, focuses on finding meaning in one's life. This stage typically occurs in late adulthood when individuals reflect on their lives and evaluate their experiences. Those who feel a sense of fulfillment and believe they have lived a meaningful life experience ego integrity; they are able to come to terms with their past achievements and failures. This acceptance allows them to face the end of life with a sense of peace.

Conversely, individuals who look back on their lives with regret, dissatisfaction, or unfulfilled goals may experience despair, feeling that they have wasted their time or missed opportunities. Thus, the quest for meaning is central to this developmental stage—whether they have created a life they are proud of or whether they remain haunted by what could have been. This focus on life reflection and finding purpose is a defining characteristic of this stage, differentiating it from other developmental challenges.