MHM Magazine

16 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2025 | Issue 2 MHM When explored fully, his theory proves useful in understanding our life lived forwards until now and how our identities were formed. Furthermore, it’s also useful to understand how past psychological conflicts can be re-triggered by the thought or onset of retirement. For instance, retirement might trigger feelings of uncertainty about the future, resulting in doubting oneself to make correct decisions (Infancy: Trust vs. Mistrust conflict). The thought of moving away from your career identity can trigger identity confusion, resulting in wondering where you will fit in and what will the day-to-day look like (Adolescence: Identity vs Confusion). Erik Erikson's psychosocial developmental framework Let us narrow our discussion to Erikson’s eighth and last stage of psychosocial development (older age: > 65 years; Integrity vs Despair conflict), which falls in the conventional retirement age. During this stage, Erikson considered life review or reminiscence as a central task of stage eight that can help older individuals acquire ego integrity and avoid despair. A life review, according to Erikson, can help create an acceptance of one's ‘one and only’ life cycle with few or no regrets. When approached and managed optimally, the retirement phase presents a myriad of opportunities to achieve greater ego (or identity) integrity. It promises more time to engage in meaningful activities, pursue neglected passions and deepen connections with loved ones. Demonstrating how ego strengths from previous developmental stages positively come into play, retirement can also present a time for generativity, forcing oneself to find innovative ways to connect with communities, structure one's day, and, most importantly, leave one’s legacy. Again, when this stage is not approached and managed optimally, ego integrity can be threatened significantly, perhaps by poor financial and non-financial retirement planning. Instrumental in avoiding and protecting one from despair includes identifying meaningful personal retirement goals to optimise well-being and life satisfaction. Ultimately, engaging in a life review through an Eriksonian Lens not only enhances self- awareness and self-understanding but can also lead to profound self-discovery. This process can contribute to optimal adjustment to retirement, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the depths of one's life experiences and gain a deeper understanding of one’s readiness to retire. Conclusions/Key messages: Retirement requires careful consideration and planning including psychological aspects and not only financial factors. Psychological aspects to consider include Ashley's comprehensive framework for understanding, planning for, and coping with retirement optimally. Viewing retirement as a journey and transitional phase can foster retirement resilience and result on positive psychological consequences for the retiree. A life review, informed by Erikson’s theory on psychosocial development, can benefit retirees to engage in a life review, achieve ego integrity, navigate the risks and reap rewards during this life phase References available on request. Stage Basic psychological conflict Virtue Description Infancy • Infancy • (0 – 1years) • Trust vs Mistrust • Hope • Trust (or mistrust) that basic needs (e.g., nourish- ment and affection) will be met. • Early childhood • (1 – 3years) • Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt • Will • Develop a sense of inde- pendence in many tasks. Childhood • Play age • (3 – 6years) • Initiative vs Guilt • Purpose • Take initiative on some activities – may develop guilt when unsuccessful or boundaries overstepped. • School- age • 7 – 11years • Industry vs Inferiority • Compe- tence • Develop self-confidence in abilities when competent or a sense of inferiority when not. Adoles- cence • Adoles- cence • 12 – 18years • Identify vs Confusion • Fidelity • Experiment and develop identity and roles. • Early Adulthood • (19 – 29years) • Intimacy vs Isolation • Love • Establish intimacy and rela- tionships with others. Adulthood • Middle years • (30 – 64years) • Generativity vs Stagnation • Care • Contribute to society and be part of a family. • Old age • ≥65years • Integrity vs Despair • Wisdom • Assess and make sense of life and the meaning of contributions. MHM | 2025 | Volume 12 | Issue 2 | Embarking on the retirement journey – navigating risks, reaping awards, and fostering resilience H