Which Erikson stage generally starts around the ages of beginning school and has the positive outcome 'Industry'?

• A. Trust vs Mistrust
• B. Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt
• C. Initiative vs Guilt
• D. Industry vs Inferiority

Answer: (D)

Industry vs Inferiority is the Erikson stage that begins when children start school. At this time, kids are faced with new tasks, routines, and opportunities to compare themselves with peers. When they receive encouragement, clear expectations, and chances to practice skills with appropriate challenges, they develop industry—the sense that through effort, practice, and persistence, they can accomplish tasks and grow capable. This fosters pride in achievements, motivation to try new things, and confidence in their own abilities.

On the flip side, if tasks feel beyond what they can handle, or feedback emphasizes what they can’t do rather than what they can do, children may develop inferiority. They start doubting their skills, become reluctant to try, and may withdraw from challenging activities. The positive outcome, industry, is about getting excited to learn, persist through setbacks, and contribute to classroom tasks with a growing sense of competence.

For context, trust vs mistrust is the earlier stage centered on forming basic trust with caregivers, autonomy vs shame/doubt focuses on independence in toddlerhood, and initiative vs guilt covers early preschool years. The school-age period specifically highlights building a reliable sense of industry through mastering academic and social tasks.