Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric (SANE-P) Practice Exam

In Erikson's framework, the school-age years bring the stage of industry versus inferiority. During this time children are learning to master new skills—reading, writing, math, sports, arts—and they gauge their success by comparing themselves with peers and by the feedback they receive from teachers and parents. When they experience genuine progress, consistent effort, and encouragement, they develop a sense of industry, feeling capable and competent to take on tasks. If experiences are challenging without support—frequent failures, harsh criticism, or feelings of not measuring up—they may develop a sense of inferiority, doubting their abilities and avoiding challenges. This contrasts with stages in infancy (trust vs mistrust), early childhood (autonomy vs shame and doubt), and adolescence (identity vs role confusion).