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The ninth stage in the cycle of life – reflections on E. H. Erikson's theory

Bibliographic Data

ID11198582
AuthorsBEATA E BUGAJSKA, Beata Bugajska (0000-0003-2440-6913, University of Szczecin, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume37
Issue6
Pages1095-1110
Publication date2017-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAgeing and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0144-686X • E-ISSN: 1469-1779
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0144686x16000301
OpenAlexW2313253597
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited15

In the present paper, Erik H. Erikson's theory of psycho-social development is analysed, including a new, ninth stage proposed by his wife, Joan M. Erikson. However, a new understanding of the ninth stage is proposed, in which integrity versus despair is still the crisis of the last stage of life regardless of the addition of the ninth stage. The crisis of stage eight takes place on the continuum between involvement versus resignation. The term ‘involvement’ is understood as the choice of one's own way of life in the world, in view of personal development oriented towards the realisation of universal values, in accordance with the ethical dimension of social ethos, and with a sense of acceptance of the changes that are the result of the human ageing process. ‘Resignation’, in turn, is understood as the second pole dynamising the conflict of stage eight, which manifests itself in the fact that no new activities are undertaken or old ones continued by an individual, out of the conviction that it is senseless to undertake any activities for his or her own development. There is, however, strength that can be engendered by the struggle of older people between involvement and resignation, namely courage. In the acquisition of courage, older people should be supported by geragogy of courage. Society needs the courage of older people and their involvement in the ethical preservation of the world

Conviction · Courage · Erikson's stages of psychosocial development · Ethos · Ninth · Personal development · Political science · Psychoanalysis · Psychotherapist · Sociology · Theology · Wife · Aging and Gerontology Research · Identity, Memory, and Therapy · Law · Philosophy · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works5
Citations per year0.63
Citation span2018 - 2025 (8)
Citation velocityrecent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 5

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