Ideally the child will learn industriousness, that is, good work and study habits, primarily as a means of attaining praise and obtaining the pleasure derived from the successful completion of a task. The child's growing powers of deductive reason and ability to play by the rules lead to the deliberate refinement of skill and are often displayed in building things. Whatever the activities, children are making serious attempts to complete a task through the application of concentrated attention, diligence, and persistence. If children are ridiculed they will likely develop feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. The basic strength that emerges during this stage is competence, which arises from industriousness.
Competence involves the exertion of skill and intelligence in pursuing and completing tasks.
12 to 18 Years Old Adolescence must meet and resolve the crisis of ego identity. At this time we form our self-image, the integration of our ideas about ourselves and about what others think of us. Shaping and accepting our identity are difficult, anxiety-filled tasks. Adolescents must experiment with different roles and ideologies to determine the best fit. People who emerge from this stage with a strong sense of self-identity are equipped to face adulthood with certainty and confidence.