You ask Fred, who is in late adulthood, a hypothetical question: If he could go back to any age in his life and change anything, which age would it be? Fred replies that he is content, that his life has been good, and that he would rather not change anything about it, even his mistakes.According to Erikson, it is clear that Fred possesses __________.

Question

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Fred's response reflects a sense of contentment and acceptance of his past, which is indicative of ego integrity according to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Ego despair would involve feeling regret, bitterness, or despair about past choices and experiences. Ego contentment is not a term used in Erikson's theory, while ego mistrust relates to the first stage of development (infancy) and concerns issues related to trust and attachment in early life.

You Ask Fred, Who Is in Late Adulthood, a Hypothetical