According to Erikson, children at this time are in the industry-versus- inferiority stage. In middle childhood, children begin to use social comparison, and self-concepts are based on psychological rather than physical characteristics. Children increasingly develop their own internal standards of success and measure how well they compare to those standards.

The concept of psychosocial development stems from the work of Erik Erikson, a noted developmental psychologist. It suggests that individuals pass through a series of stages throughout their life, each characterized by different challenges and potential growth outcomes. Each stage represents a psychosocial crisis involving a fundamental question that, when resolved, leads to the development of a life-defining virtue.

In the context of children, psychosocial development not only involves the emergence of individual skills and a sense of self, but also relates to how children interact with and are shaped by their social environments. Successfully navigating these challenges is critical for children to foster a robust and healthy self-identity.

Middle childhood, typically defined as the period between ages 6 to 11, is a significant developmental phase where children are establishing their competence in various areas such as academic ability, social skills, and physical prowess. During this stage, children attend school, which becomes a primary socializing agent outside of family. The school environment plays a crucial role in shaping their sense of industry, which Erikson described as the feeling of competence and willingness to achieve set goals.

It's a time when kids are especially receptive to learning and external influences. They're increasingly able to grasp more complex ideas, undertake more responsibility, and navigate relationships outside of the family structure.

Social comparison is a psychological process where children start to evaluate themselves in relation to their peers. It's an essential part of the industry-versus-inferiority stage, as it helps them to understand where they stand in various skills and abilities.

Why Do Children Compare Themselves?

Children engage in social comparison to gauge their abilities, determine social standing, and sometimes to boost self-esteem. This can be positive if it motivates them to improve, but it can also lead to feelings of inferiority if comparisons yield unfavorable views of themselves. Therefore, it's essential for parents and educators to guide children through this process, helping them to recognize their unique strengths and to value their own progress and achievements.

Self-concept is the image children have of themselves; it encompasses their beliefs, feelings, and perceptions about their abilities, personality traits, and individuality. As children grow, they tend to shift from considering themselves in simple, concrete terms to more complex, abstract descriptors.

In middle childhood, self-concept begins to include psychological traits and values, including intelligence, kindness, and fairness, which are shaped by their personal experiences and interactions with others. A nuanced self-concept allows children to develop resilience, understanding that they are not defined by a single characteristic or experience.

Internal standards of success are the personal criteria that children develop to evaluate their accomplishments and abilities. These standards evolve from external influences, such as parental expectations, societal norms, and scholastic achievement, to internal principles guided by one's own values and understanding.

Children at this stage begin to benchmark their progress against their goals independently, rather than relying solely on the feedback or assessment of others. Developing these internal standards can foster self-discipline and motivation, as children begin to take ownership of their success and recognise their role in reaching their aspirations.