A 72-year-old hospital patient is explaining to the nurse that, after a long life of many proud accomplishments, he is ready to die. The nurse understands that the patient has met which developmental need?

Explanation

•The elderly often evaluate their accomplishments and develop integrity if they see themselves leading a successful life. Despair develops if people view themselves as unproductive or if they haven't met their life goals.

Erikson's stages of psychosocial development:

•Basic trust vs mistrust (0-2 years)

•Autonomy vs. shame and doubt (2-4)

•Initiative vs. guilt (4-5)

•Industry vs. inferiority (5-12)

•Identity vs. role confusion (13-19)

•Intimacy vs. isolation (20-24)

•Generativity vs. Stagnation (25-64)

•Ego integrity vs. despair (65-death)

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