Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

 ego-integrity-versus-
despair stage, 
spans later adulthood and continues until death. Now a sense of 
accomplishment signifi es success in resolving the diffi culties presented by this stage 
of life; failure to resolve the diffi culties results in regret over what might have been 
achieved but was not.
Notably, Erikson’s theory suggests that development does not stop at adoles-
cence but continues throughout adulthood. A substantial amount of research now 
confi rms this view. For instance, a 22-year study by psychologist Susan Whitbourne 
found considerable support for the fundamentals of Erikson’s theory; the study 
determined that psychosocial development continues through adolescence and adult-
hood. In sum, adolescence is not an end point but rather a way station on the path 
of psychosocial development (Whitbourne et al., 1992; McAdams et al., 1997). 
Although Erikson’s theory provides a broad outline of identity development, 
critics have pointed out that his approach is anchored in male-oriented concepts of 
individuality and competitiveness. In an alternative conception, psychologist Carol 
Gilligan suggests that women may develop identity through the establishment of 
relationships. In her view, a primary component of women’s identity is the construc-
tion of caring networks among themselves and others (Gilligan, 2004).
 STORMY ADOLESCENCE: MYTH OR REALITY? 
Does puberty invariably foreshadow a stormy, rebellious period of adolescence? 
At one time, psychologists thought that most children entering adolescence were 
beginning a period fraught with stress and unhappiness. However, research now 
shows that this characterization is largely a myth, that most young people pass 
intimacy-versus-isolation 
stage
According to Erikson, a period 
during early adulthood that focuses on 
developing close relationships.