Which psychosocial conflict characterizes school-age children in Erikson's theory?

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

Answer: (C)

In Erikson’s theory, the stage for school-age children centers on developing a sense of competence through learning and mastering new skills. When kids are able to meet challenges in school, sports, and social tasks, they gain a sense of industry—feeling productive, capable, and proud of their accomplishments. This positive sense of competence supports persistence, cooperation, and striving to achieve goals.

If guidance, opportunities, or feedback are lacking, or repeated failures occur without supportive encouragement, children can develop feelings of inferiority, doubting their abilities and feeling less capable than peers. This contrast between feeling industrious and feeling inferior is what characterizes this life period.

Trust vs mistrust is an early infancy conflict about forming basic trust with caregivers. Autonomy vs shame and doubt is the toddler years, focusing on independence and self-control. Identity vs role confusion is the adolescence stage, about developing a coherent sense of self.