Erikson’s Stage of Industry vs Inferiority in Personality Development

A split image of two school-age children: one smiling confidently holding a project, the other looking sad and withdrawn in a classroom — representing Erikson's Industry vs. Inferiority stage in personality development.

One of the most influential theories of personality development is Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory. In this theory, Erikson proposed eight stages of development, each marked by a key conflict that contributes to our overall personality. The fourth stage, Industry vs Inferiority, plays a major role during childhood and lays the foundation for confidence, work ethic, … Read more