Life is a series of lessons and challenges that help us grow. The word “psychosocial” is the term used by Erikson, derived from the words psychological (mind) and social (relationships). Erikson believed that his psychosocial principle was genetically inevitable in shaping human development. This happens to everyone. For my developmental interview, I interviewed my boyfriend's sister, Alyssa, at her home. I've known her since she was about five, so it was very easy to talk to her and get her to open up. It was also a relaxed (backyard) and comfortable environment for her. According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, school-aged children (up to about twelve years old) should fall into the category of Industry (competence) vs. Inferiority. Children are at the stage where they will learn to read and write, to do calculations, to make objects on their own. Teachers begin to play an important role in the child's life by teaching them specific skills. It is at this stage that the child's peer group will take on greater importance and become a major source of the child's self-esteem. Children feel the need to gain approval by demonstrating specific skills valued by society and begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments. If children are encouraged and strengthened in their initiative, they begin to feel hardworking and confident in their ability to achieve their goals. If this initiative is not encouraged, if it is restricted by parents or the teacher, then the child begins to feel inferior, to doubt his own abilities and therefore may not reach his potential. If the child cannot develop the specific skill that he or she believes society requires (e.g. being athletic), then he... middle of paper ......Conducting the interview responded to my learning expectations. This was a great learning opportunity to interact and research psychosocial development. Encouraging elaboration could have improved the interview process. For example, I could have asked him to tell me more about his choices. Showing interest and creating conversation would also make the child feel more comfortable. It would also be important to make sure you know your age range and use appropriate language accordingly. I think it would have also been helpful to ask the child where she wanted to go for the interview. For example, instead of having the interview at her house, I could have taken her to the frozen yogurt store. All of these techniques would have improved the interview process to collect more data. The child would feel comfortable and relaxed and might even forget that you are questioning him..