In the context of General Adaptation Syndrome, which of the following best characterizes the conflict of integrity versus despair?

• A. A period in young adulthood focused on balancing intimacy with isolation
• B. A challenge during adolescence involving the search for personal identity versus role confusion
• C. A struggle in late adulthood to find a sense of fulfillment and meaning in life or to experience regret and dissatisfaction
• D. A conflict in early childhood between developing trust or mistrust in caregivers

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the developmental stage associated with the conflict of integrity versus despair. This stage is part of Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages of development.
2. Recall that Erikson's stages progress through the lifespan, each with a specific conflict to resolve, such as trust vs. mistrust in infancy or identity vs. role confusion in adolescence.
3. Understand that the conflict of integrity versus despair occurs in late adulthood, where individuals reflect on their life and either achieve a sense of fulfillment or experience regret.
4. Compare the options given to see which one aligns with this late adulthood stage and the associated struggle for meaning and acceptance of one's life.
5. Conclude that the correct characterization of integrity versus despair is the struggle in late adulthood to find a sense of fulfillment and meaning in life or to experience regret and dissatisfaction.