In the elementary school years, which stage emphasizes competence and productivity?

In the elementary school years, which stage emphasizes competence and productivity?

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

Answer: (C)

During the elementary school years, children focus on mastering skills and showing they can produce good work. This aligns with Erikson’s stage where the emphasis is on competence and productive effort. When kids succeed in reading, writing, math, sports, art, or group projects, and receive supportive feedback, they develop a sense of industry—confidence in their ability to set goals, persist, and complete tasks. If they repeatedly struggle or face harsh criticism, they may feel inferior, doubting their abilities and becoming less willing to try new things. So the idea this item targets is the shift toward feeling capable and productive versus feeling inadequate, which is why this stage is described as emphasizing industry.

During the elementary school years, children focus on mastering skills and showing they can produce good work. This aligns with Erikson’s stage where the emphasis is on competence and productive effort. When kids succeed in reading, writing, math, sports, art, or group projects, and receive supportive feedback, they develop a sense of industry—confidence in their ability to set goals, persist, and complete tasks. If they repeatedly struggle or face harsh criticism, they may feel inferior, doubting their abilities and becoming less willing to try new things. So the idea this item targets is the shift toward feeling capable and productive versus feeling inadequate, which is why this stage is described as emphasizing industry.