For school-age children, which psychosocial task is central according to Erikson?

For school-age children, which psychosocial task is central according to Erikson?

• A. A sense of trust
• B. Autonomy
• C. Initiative
• D. A sense of industry

Answer: (D)

In this stage Erikson highlights industry versus inferiority. The central task is to develop a sense of industry—feeling competent and capable through mastering new skills, taking on tasks, and gaining real achievement at school, in sports, arts, and social activities. When children succeed and receive acknowledgment from teachers, parents, and peers, they build confidence in their abilities and are motivated to take on increasingly difficult challenges. If efforts are met with repeated failure or a lack of support, they may begin to feel inferior, doubting their capacity to contribute or improve. It’s a shift from the earlier focus on trust, which relates to infancy, and autonomy or initiative, which relate to younger preschool years. So, for school-age children, establishing a sense of industry is the central psychosocial task.

In this stage Erikson highlights industry versus inferiority. The central task is to develop a sense of industry—feeling competent and capable through mastering new skills, taking on tasks, and gaining real achievement at school, in sports, arts, and social activities. When children succeed and receive acknowledgment from teachers, parents, and peers, they build confidence in their abilities and are motivated to take on increasingly difficult challenges. If efforts are met with repeated failure or a lack of support, they may begin to feel inferior, doubting their capacity to contribute or improve. It’s a shift from the earlier focus on trust, which relates to infancy, and autonomy or initiative, which relate to younger preschool years. So, for school-age children, establishing a sense of industry is the central psychosocial task.