Our first objective was to see if an instrument with acceptable reliability and face validity
could be developed to measure the resolution of the postulated Eriksonian Stage 9. Secondly,
we were guided by the hypothesis that for individuals aged 60 and above, there will be no
significant change in the resolution of Erikson’s Stage 8 with advancing age, but that
favourable resolution of Stage 9 will significantly increase with age. Should these aims be
fulfilled, we believed that support would have been obtained for the existence of this
additional stage of life span development.