Initiative vs. Guilt is the Eriksonian stage associated with which age range?

Initiative vs. Guilt is the Eriksonian stage associated with which age range?

• A. 0-1 years
• B. 2-3 years
• C. 4-5 years
• D. 6-12 years

Answer: (C)

In Erikson’s theory, initiative vs guilt occurs during the preschool years when children start taking action, planning tasks, and directing play. They try new activities, imagine goals, and seek leadership in social play. Success in these initiatives fosters a sense of purpose and the ability to lead and organize; ongoing discouragement or overcontrol can produce guilt about their desires and actions. This stage is typically placed around ages 3 to 6. Among the given ranges, 4-5 years fits squarely in that preschool period, making it the best match. The other ranges correspond to earlier infancy or later school-age stages, where different psychosocial challenges prevail.

In Erikson’s theory, initiative vs guilt occurs during the preschool years when children start taking action, planning tasks, and directing play. They try new activities, imagine goals, and seek leadership in social play. Success in these initiatives fosters a sense of purpose and the ability to lead and organize; ongoing discouragement or overcontrol can produce guilt about their desires and actions.

This stage is typically placed around ages 3 to 6. Among the given ranges, 4-5 years fits squarely in that preschool period, making it the best match. The other ranges correspond to earlier infancy or later school-age stages, where different psychosocial challenges prevail.