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Martin Picks His Own Clothes: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Martin (23 months) really likes the color purple. His mom encourages him to pick which shirt he would like to wear, and he often picks a purple shirt. In Erikson's second stage, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, the crisis is between being allowed some freedom and thus gaining confidence in making choices or being tightly controlled and feeling doubt about the ability to make the right choices for one's self. -
Martin Becomes Captain of His Basketball Team: Industry vs. Inferiority
Martin is chosen as the captain of his basketball team because of his good sportsmanship and skill. He was passed over for captain last year, so he worked really hard over the summer to get better at the game and he is really proud that his coach noticed. In Erikson's fourth stage, industry vs. inferiority, the crisis is between getting positive reinforcement for a skill developed and inability to develop a desired skill and feeling like a failure. -
Martin Becomes the Coach: Generativity vs. Stagnation
Martin has a daughter now, and she wants to play basketball. When Martin takes her to sign up, he is asked if he is interested in becoming an assistant coach for her team. Remembering the positive impact the game and his coach had on him, he signs up and is excited for the first practice. In Erikson's seventh stage, generativity vs. stagnation, the crisis is between feeling a sense of contributing to family and society and feeling isolated and self-focused.