Which psychosocial crisis characterizes Stage 4 Middle Childhood?

• A. Autonomy vs shame
• B. Identity vs role confusion
• C. Industry vs inferiority
• D. Trust vs mistrust

Answer: (C)

In middle childhood, the stage described by Erikson centers on industry vs inferiority. Children at this age are expanding skills—reading, writing, math, sports, arts—and judging themselves against peers. When they receive encouragement, opportunities to master tasks, and constructive feedback, they develop a sense of industry—the belief that they can learn, improve, and contribute. If they repeatedly struggle without support or face constant failure, they may develop inferiority, doubting their abilities and feeling less competent than others. This period generally spans roughly ages 6 to 12, bridging elementary school and early adolescence. The other stages—trust vs mistrust (infancy), autonomy vs shame (early childhood), and identity vs role confusion (adolescence)—occur at different times, which is why industry vs inferiority fits middle childhood.