erikson's theory

[calianne1]

I have a question that I can't figure out. In my class we are given a scenario of a 78 y/o patient with pneumonia. How will the nurse relate this to Erikson's theory? Thanks for any answers!!

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

At 78 y/o....that would be integrity vs. despair, right?

After talking with the lady a bit, you may get an idea of what stage she is currently in. It's all about psychosocial.

• Ego integrity is the ego's accumulated assurance of its capacity for order and meaning.
  
• Despair is signified by a fear of one's own death, as well as the loss of self-sufficiency, and of loved partners and friends.
  
• Healthy children, Erikson tells us, won't fear life if their elders have integrity enough not to fear death.

[calianne1]

thank-you, my thoughts were on the same wavelength at least! I appreciate the help!

[Algernon]

At 78 y/o....that would be integrity vs. despair, right?

• Healthy children, Erikson tells us, won't fear life if their elders have integrity enough not to fear death.

Interesting. I'd never heard that. I didn't realize Erikson said elders who have enough integrity will not fear death which translates to security for their children.

I wonder how it is that integrity means death is not feared.

Any thoughts?

[WitchySaint]

Well one of the several definitions of integrity include the idea that something expressing integrity is unbroken so Erikson's theory could be looked at as someone feeling their life is complete as opposed to feeling despair that there may still be things left to be accomplished. Having that feeling of fulfillment could translate into being ready to go or "not fearing death".