Initiative vs.

Guilt

Phallic Stage

During this period the primary feature involves the child regularly interacting with other children at
school. Central to this stage is play, as it provides children with the opportunity to explore their
interpersonal skills through initiating activities. If given this opportunity, children develop a sense of
initiative and feel secure in their ability to lead others and make decisions

According to Freud, the child would also begin to struggle with sexual desires toward the opposite
sex parent (boys to mothers and girls to fathers). For boys, this is called the Oedipus complex, involving
a boy's desire for his mother and his urge to replace his father who is seen as a rival for the mother’s
attention. This is resolved through the process of identification, which involves the child adopting the
characteristics of the same sex parent.

Catriona’s father still worked as a carpenter and a jeepney driver which makes him very busy and
less visible at home. Despite his busy schedule he always finds time to drink and smoke. Her mother on
the other hand is described as a very kind and loving mother she allows Catriona to play with other kids
outside their house. When she makes mistakes, her mother would scold her, but his father would just
calmly reprimand her. Their eldest sister verbalized “ paborito mana siya sa among papa dili na siya
ginakasaban. Pero akong mama ang grabe mangasaba sa amoang tanan”. Sometimes, her mother would
ask her to help doing household chores such washing the dishes, doing laundry and cleaning the house.
During the day they were time often left around to play with other children. She was mostly the leader
of the group. She wasn’t provided with toys, but she plays whatever is available. She was able to initiate
activities with his friends. Because of this, Catriona will develop a sense of initiative and feel secure in his
ability to lead others and make decisions.