Which Erikson stage describes the school-age child's development of competence?

Which Erikson stage describes the school-age child's development of competence?

• A. Trust vs mistrust
• B. Autonomy vs shame and doubt
• C. Initiative vs guilt
• D. Industry vs inferiority

Answer: (D)

During the school-age years, the key development is gaining competence through mastering skills and meeting the expectations of school, peers, and family. This is Industry vs Inferiority. When children are encouraged and given opportunities to succeed in reading, writing, math, sports, and other tasks, they develop a sense of industry—feeling capable, productive, and proud of their accomplishments. They learn perseverance, set goals, and compare progress with peers in a constructive way, which builds confidence and a positive self-concept. If repeated failures or a lack of support lead to ongoing difficulties, they may develop inferiority, doubting their abilities and feeling less capable than others. This stage follows trust vs mistrust in infancy and autonomy vs shame and doubt in toddlerhood, and it precedes initiative vs guilt in early childhood, highlighting the focus on competence and self-esteem through achievement.

During the school-age years, the key development is gaining competence through mastering skills and meeting the expectations of school, peers, and family. This is Industry vs Inferiority. When children are encouraged and given opportunities to succeed in reading, writing, math, sports, and other tasks, they develop a sense of industry—feeling capable, productive, and proud of their accomplishments. They learn perseverance, set goals, and compare progress with peers in a constructive way, which builds confidence and a positive self-concept. If repeated failures or a lack of support lead to ongoing difficulties, they may develop inferiority, doubting their abilities and feeling less capable than others. This stage follows trust vs mistrust in infancy and autonomy vs shame and doubt in toddlerhood, and it precedes initiative vs guilt in early childhood, highlighting the focus on competence and self-esteem through achievement.