Tim Lad is a 7-year-old boy who was referred by the school counselor for running away from school and for constantly fighting with other students. Tim lives with his brother, sister, and mother in a poor section of a small southwestern town. Tim’s father, who was an alcoholic and had a history of trouble with the law, deserted the family when Tim was 2½ years old. Tim is very impulsive and has difficulties controlling his behavior. His teachers say that he often misinterprets the actions of others. For instance, he bumped into a boy the other day in class, and the boy told him to be careful. Tim responded, “No one tells me what to do,” and proceeded to attack the other youth. Tim also has difficulties with reading and sitting still in class. Tim’s mother works long hours in a restaurant and says she is exhausted when she gets home. She reports that she is not sure she can control Tim any longer. Ms. Lad reported that Tim has always had a bad temper but is generally sorry for whatever he does wrong. When the social worker met with Tim, he was very cooperative and friendly throughout the interview.
Identify aspects of Tim’s story that suggest Tim is mastering Erikson’s “industry versus inferiority” stage.
Identify aspects of Tim’s story that suggest Tim is failing to master Erikson’s “industry versus inferiority” stage. What interventions might help him to master these aspects of this developmental stage?
According to Erikson’s model, Tim has already been met with several developmental crises, including “trust versus mistrust”, “autonomy versus shame and doubt”, and “initiative versus guilt”. Based on the information in the case study, which of these crises has he mastered? Which hasn’t he mastered? Why?
What is the impact of divorce on children? Speculate on how a 7-year old child might perceive divorce compared to a 3-year old (i.e., early childhood) or an 8 month old (i.e., infant) child (use your knowledge about child development that you have learned so far to make some hypotheses). What might account for these differences? What factors might mediate the negative effects of divorce?
