Page 158 - Meeting with Children Book

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Teens - 20's: Identity vs. Role
Confusion
20's- 40's: Intimacy vs. Isolation
40's - 60's: Generativity vs.
Stagnation
60's - beyond Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Children from 8-12 years of age will primarily fall into
Industry vs. Inferiority stage.

Industry versus inferiority is the fourth stage of Erik
Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage
occurs during childhood between the ages of five and
twelve.

Cognitively, children are beginning to learn to read and
write and are generally more independent. Teachers begin
to take an important role in the child’s life as they teach the
child specific skills.

The child’s peer group gains greater significance and
becomes a major source of the child’s self esteem. The
child, through demonstrating specific competencies gains
approval. Children learn they are valued by society, and
begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
Encouragement and reinforcement of initiatives increases
the desire for a child to be more industrious. Children also
gain in confidence related to their abilities which motivates
them to reach various goals.

If taking initiative is not encouraged, or if it is restricted by
caregivers or teachers, the child begins to feel inferior,
doubting his abilities. This negative frame may cause the
child not to reach his or her potential.

If the child cannot develop the specific skill he/she feels
society is demanding (e.g., being athletic; reaching an
academic standard) then he/she may develop a sense of