Final answer:
The correct answer is option (3). In middle childhood, children's self-descriptions emphasize competencies. They compare themselves with peers, developing a sense of industry versus inferiority. Parents and teachers can aid this development by fostering an environment of support, recognition, and opportunities for success.
Step-by-step explanation:
In middle childhood, children's self-descriptions start to emphasize competencies. During this developmental stage, commonly referred to as the elementary school stage or ages 7-11, children begin to compare their own abilities and achievements with those of their peers, which is a key component in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, particularly the stage of industry versus inferiority.
This period is crucial for children as they develop a sense of pride and accomplishment through their successes in schoolwork, sports, and social activities, which directly affects their self-esteem and self-concept.
To support children in developing a strong self-concept, parents and teachers can provide praise for achievements, opportunities for the child to achieve success, and encouragement to try new activities.
Recognizing individual strengths and providing a supportive environment can help children develop competence and a belief in themselves and their abilities, fostering a more robust self-concept.
Children at this age are also understanding the generalized other—the common behavioral expectations of general society—which contributes further to their self-awareness and ability to evaluate their competencies.
They become aware of how they are viewed by others, which plays a pivotal role in their self-evaluation and development of self-concept.