Which Erikson stage is most relevant to school-age children?

• A. Industry vs Inferiority
• B. Trust vs Mistrust
• C. Autonomy vs Shame
• D. Identity vs Role Confusion

Answer: (A)

In school-age children, the focus is on mastering new skills and earning recognition for their work. This aligns with Erikson's stage of industry vs inferiority, where the goal is to develop a sense of competence through achievement, perseverance, and positive feedback from teachers, friends, and family. When kids experience success in academics, sports, or hobbies and feel supported, they build industry—a belief that they can do tasks well. If repeated failures or a lack of encouragement lead to ongoing feelings of being less capable than peers, they may develop inferiority, which can dampen motivation and effort. The other stages are tied to different life periods: trust vs mistrust is infancy, autonomy vs shame is early childhood, and identity vs role confusion occurs in adolescence. So, industry vs inferiority is the stage most relevant to school-age children.