Final answer:
2) they combine into an overall sense of self-esteem
Between the ages of 6 and 7, children's self-evaluations contribute to their overall self-esteem. Encouragement from parents and teachers helps foster a sense of competence and industry. This positive self-concept is critical for emotional development and future psychosocial stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
By age 6 to 7, children in diverse Western cultures have formed at least four broad self-evaluations, which they combine into an overall sense of self-esteem.
During the elementary school years, as children engage in social comparison, they form self-evaluations based on their success and abilities in various areas such as academic achievement, social skills, and family life. These self-evaluations are influenced by peer acceptance and recognition of personal strengths and weaknesses.
As children's self-concept becomes more differentiated, these evaluations contribute to their overall self-esteem and general sense of competence. Emotional well-being during this stage is closely tied to how children perceive themselves through the eyes of their peers and others, which underscores the importance of supportive environments both at home and in school to foster positive self-evaluations and a healthy sense of self.
A sense of industry versus inferiority is at the core of this developmental stage, as described by Erikson's psychosocial stages. Teachers and parents play a crucial role in encouraging a sense of industry by nurturing skills and building confidence. Development of a positive self-concept in this stage lays the foundation for future stages of development, including the struggle for identity in adolescence and the search for intimacy in early adulthood.