This stage occurs during the preschool years, between the ages of 3 and 5.
They try new things.
Sometimes, they make mistakes.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
At a Glance
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Initiative vs. At each point in development, kids and adults face challenges that affect later development.
These eight stages of development are:
What age does the initiative vs. guilt stage occur?
While the stages aren’t set in stone, Erikson proposed a few ranges when each stage typically occurs.
The initiative vs. guilt phase occurs in the preschool years.
What Is Initiative?
The child begins to learn that they can exert power over themselves and the world.
They learn what they can and cannot control.
By trying things on their own and exploring their own abilities, they can develop ambition and direction.
How Do Kids Develop Initiative?
At this stage, play and imagination take on an important role.
It doesn’t mean allowing kids to do whatever they want.
What Is Guilt?
Initiative leads to a sense of purpose and can help develop leadership skills; failure results in guilt.
Essentially, kids who don’t develop initiative at this stage may become fearful of trying new things.
When they do direct efforts toward something, they may feel that they are doing something wrong.
How do you build initiative vs. guilt?
Children who are not able to do this may develop a sense of guilt.
During this stage, it is important for caregivers to encourage exploration and to help children make appropriate choices.
Caretakers should be positive and supportive when children undertake new tasks.
Encouraging a child’s natural curiosity without judgment or impatience is crucial.
Takeaways
The preschool years are the setting for Erikson’s initiative vs. guilt phase.
During this time, children begin to control their environment in small ways.
Trying new things poses the risk of failure.
Guilt results and initiative diminishes when the child isn’t taught resilience and persistence in the face of difficulty.
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2021;36(5):545-556. doi:10.1037/pag0000537
Sugarman L.Life-Span Development: Frameworks, Accounts, and Strategies.
Hurrell K, Stack M. Initiative versus guilt.
In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.
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Erikson EH.Identity: Youth and Crisis.W.W.
