Which stage is about developing competence and achievement in work or school?

• A. Initiative vs Guilt
• B. Trust vs Mistrust
• C. Industry vs Inferiority
• D. Identity vs Role Confusion

Answer: (C)

This item is about Erikson’s stage where children in the school-age years strive to master skills and tasks. When kids practice reading, writing, math, sports, or any new abilities and receive encouragement for their efforts, they develop a sense of industry—a belief in their capacity to achieve, to persevere, and to take pride in what they can accomplish. If they’re instead met with consistent failure or harsh criticism, they may grow to feel inferior, doubting their talents and losing motivation. This stage follows trust vs mistrust (infancy) and initiative vs guilt (early childhood) and precedes identity vs role confusion (adolescence); it centers on building competence through steady learning and productive work.