What stage of Erikson's theory is associated with ego integrity vs. despair?

The stage of ego integrity vs. despair is associated with late adulthood in Erikson's psychosocial development theory. This stage typically emerges in individuals who are in their late sixties and beyond, as they begin to reflect on their lives and evaluate their experiences. During this time, individuals face the challenge of looking back at their lives and feeling a sense of fulfillment and completeness or, conversely, regret and despair.

Success in this stage leads to a sense of wisdom and acceptance of one's life journey, where individuals come to terms with their accomplishments and failures. On the other hand, if one perceives their life as unproductive or filled with missed opportunities, this can result in feelings of despair. Therefore, this stage is crucial for developing a coherent sense of self in the elder years, highlighting the importance of life review and self-acceptance as individuals prepare for the end of life.