Final answer:
In late adulthood, as described by Erik Erikson, individuals face the crisis of ego integrity versus despair, reflecting on their life's accomplishments and failures.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Erik Erikson, individuals in late adulthood are in the crisis of ego integrity versus despair. During this final stage of Erikson's psychosocial stages of development, people reflect on their life achievements and experiences. Those who feel a sense of satisfaction and completeness demonstrate ego integrity, looking back at their lives with a sense of fulfillment and minimal regrets. On the contrary, some may feel unsuccessful in achieving their life goals, leading to feelings of bitterness, depression, and despair, which can overshadow their later years.
It's important to note that this stage is the culmination of Erikson's eight stages of development, which span an entire lifespan from birth until death. Unlike Freud's focus on psychosexual stages, Erikson's theory takes into account the social and psychological aspects of aging and personal growth.