Final answer:
According to Erik Erikson, older people who achieve integrity in the final stage of psychosocial development feel a sense of fulfillment and acceptance of life, rather than fear of death. The fear of death is not characteristic of those who have achieved integrity. The correct option is (C).
Step-by-step explanation:
Erik Erikson's Integrity vs. Despair Stage:
According to Erik Erikson, in the last stage of psychosocial development, known as integrity versus despair, older people reflect on their lives and experiences. This stage is characterized by a retrospective analysis where individuals look back at their achievements and failures. Those who come to terms with their life's journey and accept the choices they have made without significant regret achieve a sense of integrity. These individuals typically experience acceptance of life and a sense of fulfillment, where they feel satisfied with what they have accomplished.
Conversely, those who fail to achieve integrity remain focused on missed opportunities and are burdened with thoughts of what "would have," "should have," and "could have" been. Such individuals may face the end of their lives with feelings of bitterness, depression, and despair, rather than with peace and acceptance. It's important to note that achieving integrity in old age does not include fear of death; rather, individuals with integrity are more likely to embrace life's inevitable end with a sense of completeness and contentment.
Someone who has successfully traversed the path to integrity in their later years generally does not fear death as much as one might expect because they are at peace with their life's narrative and accomplishments.