Which stage emphasizes mastering new skills?

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

Answer: (A)

This item focuses on the stage where children focus on mastering new skills and developing a sense of competence. In Erikson’s theory, the period roughly corresponds to the elementary school years, when kids are learning to read, write, solve problems, and work with others. Success and positive feedback from teachers, parents, and peers cultivate a feeling of industry—the belief that they can achieve tasks through effort and practice. When effort isn’t recognized or is discouraged, children may develop a sense of inferiority, doubting their abilities compared to peers.

This emphasis on building skills and proving competence distinguishes it from earlier stages like trust vs. mistrust (caregiver reliability in infancy), autonomy vs. shame and doubt (independence in toddlerhood), and initiative vs. guilt (planning and initiating activities in early childhood). The focus on mastering a broad range of skills and achieving competence best fits Industry vs. Inferiority.