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Erik Erikson (1902–1994) proposed a lifespan model of development, emphasizing how social relationships shape our sense of self. He suggested we pass through eight stages, each marked by a central conflict, or psychosocial crisis, that must be resolved for healthy personality growth.

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The stages span a lifetime! Starting from infancy as a newborn all the way to retirement.

1. Infancy with Trust vs. Mistrust

2. Early Childhood with Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt

3. Play Age with Initiative vs. Guilt

4. School Age with Industry vs. Inferiority

5. Adolescence with Identity vs. Confusion

6. Early Adulthood with Intimacy vs. Isolation

7. Middle Age with Generativity vs. Stagnation

8. Maturity with Integrity vs. Despair.

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Stage 4: School Age: Industry vs. Inferiority

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Stage 4: School Age: Industry vs. Inferiority

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In stage 4, the learning strategy is characterized as industry versus inferiority, with school age children 5-12 years old.

As children enter school, they compare their abilities to peers and seek to demonstrate competence. Support from parents, teachers, and role models help kids this age develop industry-confidence in their skills and productivity.

They start learning to work and cooperate with others and begin to understand that they can use their skills to complete tasks. This leads to a sense of confidence in their ability to achieve goals.

Without any support, however, or when faced with persistent failures and negative feedback, children risk feeling inferior, unmotivated, and having a lack of self-confidence.

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Do you remember this stage in your life? Did you feel this way at this age?

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Do you remember this stage in your life? Did you feel this way at this age?

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Comment your answer below in this panel if you would like to share!

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Confidence in the Curriculum of Cognitive Development

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Confidence in the Curriculum of Cognitive Development

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According to Erikson, this stage is vital in developing self-confidence. Kids who do well and are encouraged and supported in school and other activities are more likely to develop a sense of competence and a greater sense of self-esteem.

Children who struggle in school and other activities may be left with feelings of inadequacy and inferiority - both of which contribute to low self-esteem.

It is important for adults in the child's life to offer support and encouragement!

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How Social Development is Accounted for in this Learning Theory

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How Social Development is Accounted for in this Learning Theory

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During the earlier stages, social development is limited to a child’s interactions with caregivers, parents, and others in their immediate household. When the child begins the school year, however, the realm of social influence expands dramatically. Kids are increasingly involved in sports, friend groups, classrooms, teams, and other social events. They are also expected to cooperate, collaborate, listen, compete, and share. Friends and classmates play a role in how children will progress through the industry vs. inferiority stage of development.

Their social interactions with peers also help kids see how they compare, and they may note that they are better than their friends or classmates at some things. Through proficiency at play and schoolwork, children are able to develop a sense of competence and pride in their abilities, leading to feelings of self-confidence. By feeling competent and capable, children are able to also form a strong self-concept

In other cases, kids may perceive that they are not quite as capable as their peers, leading to potential feelings of inadequacy. Kids who struggle with friendships or feel that they are behind their peers may end up feeling like they don't measure up.

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What kind of social activities did you do at this age? Any sports, extra curriculars, or events that helped you gain confidence?

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What kind of social activities did you do at this age? Any sports, extra curriculars, or events that helped you gain confidence?

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Comment in this panel on how you think your social life during your school age helped your development!

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Moral and Physical Development in School-Age Children

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Moral and Physical Development in School-Age Children

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Moral development within this psychosocial theory includes children learning certain social values, developing their social role, and understanding their position and abilities within broader society. Moral development during this stage of life is fueled by social growth, and personal growth regarding children’s sense of self and self-confidence.

Physical development shows up within this theory by children’s bodies developing a lot during ages 5-12, gaining the ability to run, skip, hurt themselves and heal, gain muscle, and develop fine and gross motor skills. Not all kids will play sports as a form of social and physical development, but most kids will play and be active, leading to physical development.

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Strengths and Weaknesses of Erikson's Theory

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Strengths and Weaknesses of Erikson's Theory

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This theory also has its limitations and attracts valid criticisms. One of the strengths is that it provides a broad framework from which to view development throughout the entire lifespan. However, some others say the same thing as a criticism that the developmental processes in each stage are unclear and non-linear.

Some say the theory fails to detail what exactly what type of experiences are necessary at each stage in order to successfully resolve the conflicts, but some are saying that it being vague aides in relating to each individuals possible needs.

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What are your thoughts on this theory? Do you think Erikson made some good points for developing self-confidence for school age children?

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What are your thoughts on this theory? Do you think Erikson made some good points for developing self-confidence for school age children?

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Our sense of self is important, and how we go through conflicts in our life may determine how we change as people.

If you would like to share your thoughts, comment in this panel.

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Around what age(s) of children does Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority include?

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What are some good ways to gain confidence?

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Praise persistence, not just achievement

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Be respectful of how they express themselves

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What does 'Industry' mean in this context?

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hard working, skill building, feeling capable and competent

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the ways in which individuals function within our economy

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an 'industrious person' means someone who feels inadequate

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Cherry, Kendra. “Industry vs. Inferiority in Psychosocial Development.” Verywell Mind, 25 Oct. 2024, www.verywellmind.com/industry-versus-inferiority-2795736.

McLeod, Saul. “Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development.” Simply Psychology, 18 Apr. 2025, www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html.