The risk of developing an inferiority complex during childhood corresponds to which psychosocial stage?

The risk of developing an inferiority complex during childhood corresponds to which psychosocial stage?

• A. Industry vs. Inferiority
• B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
• C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
• D. Generativity vs. Stagnation

Answer: (A)

Erikson's stage of industry versus inferiority focuses on a child's developing sense of competence through mastering skills and tasks. In this school-age period, children learn to read, write, solve problems, and work with others. When they receive encouragement and success builds a belief that they can accomplish things, they develop a healthy sense of industry. But if effort is met with repeated failure or harsh criticism and little support, they may start to feel inferior, doubting their abilities and worth. This is precisely the risk described by the question. The other stages involve different life periods and concerns—identity formation around adolescence, intimate relationships in early adulthood, and guiding others in middle adulthood—so they don’t address childhood competence in the same way.

Erikson's stage of industry versus inferiority focuses on a child's developing sense of competence through mastering skills and tasks. In this school-age period, children learn to read, write, solve problems, and work with others. When they receive encouragement and success builds a belief that they can accomplish things, they develop a healthy sense of industry. But if effort is met with repeated failure or harsh criticism and little support, they may start to feel inferior, doubting their abilities and worth. This is precisely the risk described by the question. The other stages involve different life periods and concerns—identity formation around adolescence, intimate relationships in early adulthood, and guiding others in middle adulthood—so they don’t address childhood competence in the same way.