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In addition to Erikson's theory of psychological development, Love & Basketball features several good examples of conventional morality. This form of decision-making was developed by a psychologist from New York named Lawrence Kohlberg. By the time Monica join's her college's women's basketball team, she has reached this conventional stage of decision making and stage six of Erikson's theory of psychological development. With conventional morality, Monica "...makes decisions to ensure that others will approve of [her]" (Pomerantz, 316). She is trying to make decisions that secure her the approval of her team members and coach while navigating her romantic relationship with Quincy. Because of this, she often makes decisions that prioritize her place on the team over her relationship with Quincy causing a strain between the two of them.

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The storyline of Love & Basketball ends before the two main characters can reach stages seven and eight of Erikson's theory of psychological development.

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As Quincy and Monica enter young adulthood, they begin to explore a romantic relationship with each other. The main characters' shared desire to form a meaningful relationship with one another perfectly models stage five of Erikson's theory of development. Additionally, Monica and Quincy spend some time apart because of outside factors that influence the health of their relationship. These factors include distance and loyalty. Monica's experience in isolation from Quincy proves Erikson's theory correct because her isolation was a result of the shortcomings of their intimacy. According to Erikson's theory, Monica successfully passes this stage because she was able to mend their relationship by the conclusion of the movie.

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Pomerantz, A. M. (2022). My Psychology Reader (3rd ed.). Macmillan Higher Education.

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I think the theory is valid in regards to Monica to an extent. However, I think Erikson's stages are rooted from a white male's perspective and may not account for the development of a black female.

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1. While Erikson's theory can explain a lot of the character development in the movie, it doesn't completely encapsulate all of Monica's experiences. The theory is adequate in explaining the major plot points of the movie.

2. It is a good fit for assessing Monica's character as it highlights her developmental stages as a character. Since the movie progresses throughout time, it is easier to see how different stages compare to Monica's character.

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How does Erikson's Theory of Development explain Monica's Character Development

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How does Erikson's Theory of Development explain Monica's Character Development

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Erikson's Theory of Development does explain the growth of Monica's character.

1. Identity vs. Role Confusion: Monica explores who she is as a female in a male-dominated sport. She deals with the conflicts between societal expectations and her personal aspirations.

2. Intimacy vs. Isolation: Erikson explains that in this stage, if we are unable to form stable and intimate relationships we may feel isolated or lonely. This encapsulates how Monica loses interest in basketball because of something missing in her life. What was missing in her life was actually Quincy.

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Effectiveness of Erikson's Theory in Love & Basketball

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Effectiveness of Erikson's Theory in Love & Basketball

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Stage 5 Illustrated Through Parental Approval

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Stage 5 Illustrated Through Parental Approval

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From the ages 12-18, Quincy and Monica enter stage five of Erikson's theory of development. Their mutual search for their identities revolves around parental approval. Monica's mother continually pushes her to act, present herself, and engage in activities that are more "ladylike". Monica's struggle to navigate her identity as a woman while playing a sport dominated by men is a perfect example of stage five of Erikson's theory of development. This struggle is Monica's way of answering the question, "Can I determine who I am?" According to Erikson's model, she successfully passes this stage of development as she attempts to understand how her identity coincides with her love for basketball.

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Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair (65+)

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Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair (65+)

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During older adulthood, adults reflect on their lives. "Was my life well lived?" Fulfillment leads to integrity, yet regret leads to despair.

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Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65)

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Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65)

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Middle adulthood highlights adults' contribution to society and support of the next generation. "Can I contribute something valuable?" A sense of accomplishment can come from success whereas uselessness can happen if one fails this stage.

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The movie begins with both main characters in stage four of Erikson's theory of development (six to eleven years of age). From the moment Quincy and Monica meet, they compete with each other through sports. This mutual competitive nature is their inadvertent way of testing their ability to keep up with their each other and their peers. According to Erikson's theory, both characters successfully pass this stage because of their competitive nature.

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Young adulthood focuses on seeking meaningful relationships, platonically or not. "Can I form a lasting connection with another person?" If successful, deep connections will thrive or failure can cause isolation.

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Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18)

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Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18)

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During adolescence, teenagers develop a personal identity through the exploration of independence. "Can I determine who I am?" Success results in a strong sense of self, but failure leads to confusion about one's role in society.

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The first three stages of Erikson's theory involve infancy, toddler years, and early childhood. However, the movie begins with both characters in their mid-to-late childhood years, so these stages cannot be applied to the psychological development of the main characters.

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Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (6-11)

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Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (6-11)

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Elementary school tests children's ability to learn to work with others while gaining intelligence. The central question, "Can I keep up with my peers," illustrates how success leads to a sense of achievement. On the other hand, failure can result in feelings of inferiority.

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Because Love & Basketball follows the lives of the main characters from childhood to adulthood, Erik Erikson's theory of psychological development can be applied to the development of Monica and Quincy throughout the movie.

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Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 years)

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Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 years)

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In the preschool stage, children assert themselves through social interactions and ponder "Can I do this on my own?" This stage gives children a sense of purpose and can encourage/discourage leadership qualities.

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Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (2-3 years)

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Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (2-3 years)

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During early childhood, children begin to exercise a sense a independence through making choices. This begs the question of "Can I control myself?" Encouragement results in autonomy.

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Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (0-18 months)

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Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (0-18 months)

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In the first stage of life, infancy, infants learn to trust their caregivers for basic necessities. The central question surrounding this stage asks "Will the people around me take care of me?" Success will result in a sense of security whereas failure can lead to anxiety or insecurity.

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Love & Basketball is a 2000s romance movie focused around its two main characters, Monica and Quincy. The movie follows the two characters as they navigate childhood, their teenage years, and adulthood in Los Angeles, California. As children, Monica and Quincy first bond over their over their love for basketball. They both aspire to play basketball professionally as adults, and their career aspirations begin to drive a wedge between the two of them. Quincy begins to attract many women because of his athleticism which evokes jealousy in Monica. The main conflict of the movie is the main characters' struggle to grow their careers while maintaining their relationship. After their college years, the two become estranged because of their careers and are only reunited after Quincy's engagement to another woman. The movie concludes with the restoration of their relationship as the resolution to the main conflict indicated with the presence of their child at one of Monica's professional games. Monica and Quincy's story is meant to exemplify the theme of fated love. Regardless of how distant they became, Quincy and Monica were able to mend their relationship because they were fated to be together. Love & Basketball also explores themes of gender inequity. Because Monica and Quincy have the same career aspirations, the movie compares the experiences of a woman to the experiences of a man attempting to play basketball professionally.

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Love & Basketball (2000) Official Trailer - Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps Basketball Movie HD

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Erik Erikson's theory of psychological development outlines the eight stages of human life coinciding with age. Erikson believed each stage presents a unique challenge that is essential for healthy psychological development. The German psychologist first published his theory in his 1950 novel, Childhood and Society. Erikson's theory recognizes the emotional aspects of development and that each stage builds upon the other. He believed that human development is a lifelong process rather than solely confined to childhood. While Erikson's theory is a major theory of development, there are many critiques. Critics believe that there is a lack of scientific research, and it is culturally biased upon Western ideals of individualism.

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Erikson’s 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development Explained