Master Erikson’s Theory Of Psychosocial Development - Stage 4 (School Age) with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Erikson’s fourth stage of psychosocial development occurs during age 6-12 years old.

During this stage, the child will gain greater significance and self esteem, and they try to win approval from parents, teachers and authorities by demonstrating specific competencies (learned skills) they believe are valued in society. Here, industry refers to purposeful and meaningful activities. If children master this conflict then they start developing a sense of pride in their ability to accomplish things. If a child does not start to feel industrious, they will start to feel inferior compared to those around them.

At this age, children are learning to read, write, do math problems, and do more things on their own. At school and through social interactions, children develop a sense of pride in their abilities and their accomplishments.

During this stage, children will be taught specific skills, and the child is going to work towards becoming competent in those skills. Children who are encouraged and commended by parents and school teachers go on to develop a feeling of competence and confidence in themselves and their skills; overall they will start feeling industrious. Children who are not praised by their parents and teachers will doubt their ability to succeed.

The latency stage of psychosexual development is when no further psychosexual development takes place. Latent means hidden, and this stage is equivalent to sexual dormancy, or repression. The focus during this age is on school, learning skills and hobbies. During this stage, much of child’s energy is directed towards developing new skills and acquiring knowledge.