Child Development

Psychosocial Stage Theory: (continued)

4. School Age (Ages 7 to 12): KEY TASK: Industry versus Inferiority:

1. He develops a sense of competence by mastering new skills
2. He controls his imagination in order to perform school work industriously
3. He may feel inferior if he fails to master new skills


4. CRITICAL RELATIONSHIPS: Neighborhood and school
5. POSITIVE OUTCOME: He has a sense of his own competence and feels in control of his environment
6. NEGATIVE OUTCOME: He becomes narrowly-focused and afraid to act

5. Adolescence (Ages 12 to 18): KEY TASK: Identity versus Identity Confusion:

1. He is forming his identity amidst a variety of alternatives and is committing to a specific set of goals and values.
2. He deals with the insecurity of adolescence by forming cliques, preoccupation with older role models and mentors, and falling in love.


3. CRITICAL RELATIONSHIPS: Peer group and role models
4. POSITIVE OUTCOME: His loyalty to people and ideals strengthens his identity
5. NEGATIVE OUTCOME: He feels insecure and confused about himself and what the future holds

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