Question

Towards the end of their life, Erik and Joan Erikson reconsidered the last stage of development as it was not entirely what they had conceptualized. Joan wrote about their changing views and the main addition she proposed was that ________.

Answer 1

Joan Erickson added the concept of continued growth and development in late adulthood, going beyond the initially proposed 'integrity versus despair' to include aspects of gerotranscendence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Towards the end of their lives, Erik and Joan Erikson revisited the final stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Joan Erikson acknowledged that gerotranscendence, a term not explicitly used by the Eriksons but that aligns with the notions they expressed later in life, might be a component in this last stage. This term refers to an increase in introspection, a decrease in self-centeredness, and a greater sense of connection to the past and future generations. Consequently, Joan Erikson proposed that the final stage should include a continued development aspect, reflecting a nuanced approach to late adulthood, where there's potential for even more growth and development beyond integrity versus despair.