In Erikson's psychosocial stages, which stage is characterized by a child asserting power and initiative but feeling guilt when overstepping boundaries?

In Erikson's psychosocial stages, which stage is characterized by a child asserting power and initiative but feeling guilt when overstepping boundaries?

• A. Trust vs. Mistrust
• B. Autonomy vs. Doubt
• C. Initiative vs. Guilt
• D. Industry vs. Inferiority

Answer: (C)

Initiative vs. Guilt is the stage where preschoolers push to take charge, plan activities, and pursue their own goals. They become curious, imagine, and try to lead others in play and small tasks. When their initiative is rewarded, they feel capable and purposeful. But if they are criticized, restricted, or feel they’ve overstepped boundaries, they can experience guilt. This guilty feeling helps them weigh the consequences of their actions and teaches self-control, guiding future choices. This stage follows Autonomy vs. Doubt (toddlers learning independence) and precedes Industry vs. Inferiority (school-age focusing on skill mastery).

Initiative vs. Guilt is the stage where preschoolers push to take charge, plan activities, and pursue their own goals. They become curious, imagine, and try to lead others in play and small tasks. When their initiative is rewarded, they feel capable and purposeful. But if they are criticized, restricted, or feel they’ve overstepped boundaries, they can experience guilt. This guilty feeling helps them weigh the consequences of their actions and teaches self-control, guiding future choices.

This stage follows Autonomy vs. Doubt (toddlers learning independence) and precedes Industry vs. Inferiority (school-age focusing on skill mastery).