Understanding Initiative vs.

Guilt

Stage 3 of Psychosocial Development

By Kendra Cherry Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on August 02, 2019

Initiative versus guilt is the third stage of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. This stage
occurs during the preschool years, between the ages of 3 and 5. During the initiative versus guilt stage,
children begin to assert their power and control over the world through directing play and other social
interaction.

Let's take a closer look at some of the major events that take place at this stage of psychosocial
development.

Overview:

Psychosocial Conflict: Initiative versus Guilt

Major Question: “Am I good or bad?”

Basic Virtue: Purpose

Important Event(s): Exploration, Play

A Closer Look at the Initiative vs. Guilt Stage

According to Erikson's theory, the first two stages of children's development are concerned with trust
versus mistrust and autonomy versus shame and doubt. During these first two periods, the focus is on
children forming a sense of trust in the world as well as feelings of independence and autonomy. Each of
these foundational stages plays a role in the later stages that will follow.1

It is as children enter the preschool years that they begin the third stage of psychosocial development
centered on initiative versus guilt. If they have successfully completed the earlier two stages, kids now
have a sense that the world is trustworthy and that they are able to act independently. Now it is
important for kids to learn that they can exert power over themselves and the world. They need to try
things on their own and explore their own abilities. By doing this, they can develop ambition and
direction.1

How Do Kids Develop Initiative?

Children need to begin asserting control and power over the environment by taking initiative by
planning activities, accomplishing tasks and facing challenges. During this stage, it is important for
caregivers to encourage exploration and to help children make appropriate choices. Caregivers who are
discouraging or dismissive may cause children to feel ashamed of themselves and to become overly
dependent upon the help of others.1

This stage can sometimes be frustrating for parents and caregivers as children begin to exercise more
control over the things that impact their lives. Such decisions can range from the friends they play with,
the activities they engage in, and the way that they approach different tasks. Parents and other adults
might want to guide children toward certain friends, activities, or choices, but children might resist and
insist on making their own choices. While this might lead to some conflicts with parental wishes at
times, it is important to give kids a chance to make such choices. However, it is important that parents
continue to enforce safe boundaries and encourage children to make good choices through the use of
modeling and reinforcement.1

As you might guess, play and imagination take on an important role at this stage. Children have their
sense of initiative reinforced by being given the freedom and encouragement to play. When efforts to
engage in physical and imaginative play are stifled by caregivers, children begin to feel that their self-
initiated efforts are a source of embarrassment.1

Verywell Mind

Search

Search

Verywell Health

Verywell Fit

Verywell Family

Ad

THEORIES PSYCHOSOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY Psychosocial Development Guide

Understanding Initiative vs. Guilt

Stage 3 of Psychosocial Development

By Kendra Cherry Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on August 02, 2019

Initiative versus guilt is the third stage of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. This stage
occurs during the preschool years, between the ages of 3 and 5. During the initiative versus guilt stage,
children begin to assert their power and control over the world through directing play and other social
interaction.1

initiative vs. guilt in psychosocial development

Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee

Let's take a closer look at some of the major events that take place at this stage of psychosocial
development.

Overview:

Psychosocial Conflict: Initiative versus Guilt

Major Question: “Am I good or bad?”

Basic Virtue: Purpose

Important Event(s): Exploration, Play

A Closer Look at the Initiative vs. Guilt Stage

According to Erikson's theory, the first two stages of children's development are concerned with trust
versus mistrust and autonomy versus shame and doubt. During these first two periods, the focus is on
children forming a sense of trust in the world as well as feelings of independence and autonomy. Each of
these foundational stages plays a role in the later stages that will follow.1

It is as children enter the preschool years that they begin the third stage of psychosocial development
centered on initiative versus guilt. If they have successfully completed the earlier two stages, kids now
have a sense that the world is trustworthy and that they are able to act independently. Now it is
important for kids to learn that they can exert power over themselves and the world. They need to try
things on their own and explore their own abilities. By doing this, they can develop ambition and
direction.1
How Do Kids Develop Initiative?

Children need to begin asserting control and power over the environment by taking initiative by
planning activities, accomplishing tasks and facing challenges. During this stage, it is important for
caregivers to encourage exploration and to help children make appropriate choices. Caregivers who are
discouraging or dismissive may cause children to feel ashamed of themselves and to become overly
dependent upon the help of others.1

This stage can sometimes be frustrating for parents and caregivers as children begin to exercise more
control over the things that impact their lives. Such decisions can range from the friends they play with,
the activities they engage in, and the way that they approach different tasks. Parents and other adults
might want to guide children toward certain friends, activities, or choices, but children might resist and
insist on making their own choices. While this might lead to some conflicts with parental wishes at
times, it is important to give kids a chance to make such choices. However, it is important that parents
continue to enforce safe boundaries and encourage children to make good choices through the use of
modeling and reinforcement.1

As you might guess, play and imagination take on an important role at this stage. Children have their
sense of initiative reinforced by being given the freedom and encouragement to play. When efforts to
engage in physical and imaginative play are stifled by caregivers, children begin to feel that their self-
initiated efforts are a source of embarrassment.1

"Children who are over-directed by adults may struggle to develop a sense of initiative and confidence in
their own abilities."

Success and Failure In Stage 3

Success in this stage leads to a sense of purpose, while failure results in a sense of guilt. What does
Erikson mean by guilt? Essentially, kids who fail to develop a sense of initiative at this stage may emerge
with a fear of trying new things. When they do direct efforts toward something, they may feel that they
are doing something wrong. While mistakes are inevitable in life, kids with initiative will understand that
mistakes happen and they just need to try again. Children who experience guilt will instead interpret
mistakes as a sign of personal failure, and may be left with a sense that they are "bad."

Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved

Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt

The third stage of psychosocial development takes place during the preschool years. At this point in
psychosocial development, children begin to assert their power and control over the world through
directing play and other social interactions.

Children who are successful at this stage feel capable and able to lead others. Those who fail to acquire
these skills are left with a sense of guilt, self-doubt, and lack of initiative.

Outcomes

The major theme of the third stage of psychosocial development is that children need to begin asserting
control and power over the environment. Success in this stage leads to a sense of purpose. Children who
try to exert too much power experience disapproval, resulting in a sense of guilt.

When an ideal balance of individual initiative and a willingness to work with others is achieved, the ego
quality known as purpose emerges.

Erikson’s 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development, Explained for Parents

Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph.D., CRNP — Written by Rhona Lewis on April 28, 2020

Stage 3: Initiative vs. guilt

3 to 5 years old

These are the preschool years. As your child interacts socially and plays with others, they learn that they
can take the initiative and control what happens.

You can encourage your child to plan, achieve goals, and take responsibility by making sure they have
plenty of opportunities to interact with others. Let them explore the world within the limits you set up.
Take them to visit older adults and give out chocolates. Set up playdates for them with their peers.

And don’t forget that you can be a playmate, too. Give your child a chance to direct the show by letting
them be the teacher, doctor, or sales clerk while you act the student, patient, or customer.

Here’s when your child starts asking endless questions. Sometimes your miniature philosopher will
wonder where dogs go after they die when you’ve just settled down to watch the show you missed
because you took them to a second playdate. Breathe in. By addressing these questions with genuine
interest, you’re investing in your child’s positive self-image.

This stage is about much more than just calling the shots. Through both interacting with others socially
and through play, your child develops self-confidence and learns to enjoy having a sense of purpose.

However, if parents are controlling or don’t support their child when they make decisions, the child may
not be equipped to take the initiative, may lack ambition, and could be filled with guilt. Overpowering
feelings of guilt can prevent a child from interacting with others and deter their creativity.

Stage 3: Locomotor

Age: Early Childhood -- 2 to 6 years

Conflict: Initiative vs. Guilt

Important Event: Independence

Description:

The most important event at this stage is independence. The child continuesto be assertive and to take
the initiative. Playing and hero worshipping are animportant form of initiative for children. Children in
this stage are eager forresponsibility. It is essential for adults to confirm that the child'sinitiative is
accepted no matter how small it may be. If the child is not givena chance to be responsible and do things
on their own, a sense of guilt maydevelop. The child will come to believe that what they want to do is
alwayswrong.

Elements for a positive outcome:

In order for a positive outcome in this stage, the child must learn toaccept without guilt, that there are
certain things not allowed. Children mustbe guilt free when using imagination. They must be reassured
that it is okay toplay certain adult roles.

Elements for a negative outcome:

If children are not allowed to do things on their own, a sense of guilt maydevelop and they may come to
believe that what they want to do is always wrong.

Examples:

A four year old passing tools to a parent who is fixing a bicycle. Childrenat this stage will worship heroes.
Pretend games are also common.