Life Satisfaction is considered a key component of psychological well-being as well as a psychological construct that gives an individual the ability to cognitively appraise his or her life. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the successful resolution of Erikson's fifth (adolescence), seventh (adulthood), and eighth (old-age) stages of his psychosocial development theory among older adults in nursing homes and their perception of life satisfaction. Fifty-one older adults in nursing homes participated in this study utilizing a convenience sample. The Measures of Psychosocial Development was used to approximate the degree of resolution of each stage conflict and the Life Satisfaction Index A was used to measure life satisfaction. A demographic data sheet was also used to analyze the demographic variables. Correlations were determined between life satisfaction and the resolution scores of stages 5, 7, and 8. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to determine whether Erikson's fifth, seventh, or eighth stage resolution scores influenced life satisfaction of older adults in nursing homes while controlling for age, gender, level of schooling, ethnicity, and perceived health. Results of data analysis indicated a significant positive linear correlation (p less than 0.010) between the life satisfaction of older adults in nursing homes and the successful resolution of Erikson's fifth stage. A significant positive linear correlation (p less than 0.001) was found also between life satisfaction and Erikson's seventh stage and again between life satisfaction and Erikson's eighth stage (p less than 0.001). The hierarchical regression model indicated that the resolution R8 score (p = 0.010) had a unique influence on life satisfaction followed in importance by perceived health (p = 0.021). The findings of this study indicate that the life satisfaction of older adults in nursing homes may have a predictable set point. If life satisfaction can then possibly be predetermined, future life arrangements by administrators and staff of nursing homes along with the families may view future life arrangements of older adults differently. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.