Commentary on retirement, identity, and Erikson's developmental stage model
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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
1Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Canada. josborne@highspeedplus.com
Abstract:
ABSTRACTThe coincidence of retirement and aging, experienced in the later stages of life, can trigger a recurrence of the bipolar tensions of earlier stages described in Erikson's model of personality development. The model provides a means for retirees to understand the ground from which their present identity has developed and how the psychodynamics of previous life stages can be reactivated by the onset of retirement and aging. Stages of the model are illustrated by experiences within the context of retirement. The utility of Erikson's model is suggested as a means of enhancing self-awareness, self-understanding, and adjustment to retirement.
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