During Erikson's psychosocial developmental stage of "industry vs inferiority," children in middle childhood (ages 6-12) strive to develop a sense of competence and accomplishment through mastering new skills. They may feel industrious if they are successful, but inferior if they perceive their efforts as inadequate.
Competence is a person's overall ability to perform tasks effectively and efficiently. It encompasses various skills and knowledge relevant to a particular area.
Social comparison involves evaluating oneself by comparing abilities, achievements, or qualities with others. Children often engage in social comparison during the industry vs inferiority stage to assess their competence relative to peers.