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Justin's Decision to Participate in Class: Industry vs. Inferiority
Justin (age 7) decides to participate in academic discussions at school. After he is given compliments from his teacher, his self-confidence grows and he continues to try to learn more in order to receive commendations. In Erikson's fourth stage, Industry versus inferiority is an important step in building or undermining self-confidence. -
Justin realizes he's different from others: Identity vs. Role Confusion
While visiting a friend's home, Justin realizes that his friend's family is different than his. This prompt's Justin to think about what it was that made them different. In Erikson's fifth stage, Identity versus Role Confusion, the crisis is between learning about one's self (identity) or being unsure of who you are and where you belong (role confusion). -
Justin focuses on raising his kids: Generativity vs. Stagnation
Justin decides that he wants to leave a lasting impression for his family. He does family trips and takes time off of work to help his children grow and build lasting relationships with them. In Erikson's seventh stage, generativity versus stagnation, the crisis is between "leaving your mark" by caring for others (generativity) or disconnecting from the community and failing to find a way to contribute.