According to Erikson, failing to achieve a sense of integrity in old age can lead to feelings of:

In Erikson's psychosocial development theory, the stage associated with old age is referred to as "Integrity vs. Despair." During this stage, individuals reflect on their lives and evaluate their experiences. Achieving a sense of integrity means that a person feels a sense of fulfillment and acceptance of their life's journey, viewing it as meaningful and coherent.

When individuals fail to achieve this sense of integrity, they may experience despair. This feeling arises from regrets, unresolved conflicts, and the perception that their lives did not reach their potential or were wasted. Such negative feelings can lead to a sense of hopelessness regarding their past choices and future. Thus, the understanding of this stage emphasizes that successful navigation fosters wisdom and acceptance, while failure leads to deep-seated regrets and despair about life.

The other answer options do not align with Erikson's theory regarding this stage. Contentment, resilience, and confidence suggest positive outcomes that are not consistent with the feelings associated with failing to achieve integrity. Therefore, despair is the accurate representation of the emotional state that results from this lack of fulfillment in one's old age.