What is Erikson's psychosocial stage for ages 3 to 5?

What is Erikson's psychosocial stage for ages 3 to 5?

• A. Industry vs. Inferiority
• B. Initiative vs. Guilt
• C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
• D. Intimacy vs. Isolation

Answer: (B)

In this age range, children are learning to take the lead in their own activities and to plan and initiate tasks and play. They gain a sense of purpose when their initiatives are encouraged and supported, which helps them feel confident about acting on their plans. If their attempts are met with over-control, ridicule, or punishment, they can develop guilt about wanting to lead or try new things, which can hold back their curiosity and drive. This balance—feeling capable to start and lead activities, versus feeling guilty for trying—is the essence of this stage. The other stages correspond to different life periods: industry versus inferiority is later in childhood when children focus on mastering school tasks; identity versus role confusion occurs during adolescence as people explore who they are; intimacy versus isolation is in early adulthood regarding forming close relationships.

In this age range, children are learning to take the lead in their own activities and to plan and initiate tasks and play. They gain a sense of purpose when their initiatives are encouraged and supported, which helps them feel confident about acting on their plans. If their attempts are met with over-control, ridicule, or punishment, they can develop guilt about wanting to lead or try new things, which can hold back their curiosity and drive. This balance—feeling capable to start and lead activities, versus feeling guilty for trying—is the essence of this stage.

The other stages correspond to different life periods: industry versus inferiority is later in childhood when children focus on mastering school tasks; identity versus role confusion occurs during adolescence as people explore who they are; intimacy versus isolation is in early adulthood regarding forming close relationships.