For an 8-year-old child, what is the primary developmental task according to Erikson?

• A. Gaining independence from parents
• B. Developing a sense of trust
• C. Developing a sense of control over self and body functions
• D. Mastering useful skills and tools

Answer: (D)

Erikson’s stage for children around 8 years old is industry vs inferiority, where the main task is mastering useful skills and tools. At this age, kids focus on building competence through schoolwork, sports, crafts, and social collaboration. Success leads to a sense of industry and confidence in their abilities, while repeated failure or lack of encouragement can foster feelings of inferiority. The other options reflect earlier stages: independence from parents fits autonomy vs. shame from toddlerhood; trust development occurs in infancy; and a sense of control over body functions aligns more with early childhood autonomy, not the school-age period. So the choice that best matches this stage is mastering useful skills and tools.