2024 Volume 93 Issue 3 Pages 115-125
This study aimed to determine the actual level of achievement of the Erikson model of “integration”, a psychosocial developmental task in old age, for residents of a leprosy sanatorium, as well as its related factors. The results of the study showed a fairly high level of “integration ”attainment among the residents. Higher integration was associated with a shorter length of stay, the experience of social reintegration, the experience of employment, the association with family members outside the center, and a higher level of mental independence. Achievement of integrity among residents was not considered to be dependent on the achievement of the seven stages of the pre-geriatric life cycle, but rather on the process of overcoming various crises such as loneliness, obstacles, and threats in the sanatorium and in society, while cooperating and adapting with peers, which cultivates ego strength and supports the achievement of “integrity”. The process of overcoming various crises such as loneliness, disabilities, and threats, and adapting in cooperation with peers, cultivated ego strength and supported the achievement of “integration”. Therefore, it was suggested that by capturing the experiences and strengths of individual residents and supporting their daily goals, way of life, and autonomy, the residents could gain a sense of life and receive support to enhance their“ integrity”.
