At what age is the initiative vs guilt psychosocial crisis resolved?

The initiative versus guilt psychosocial crisis, a concept developed by Erik Erikson, occurs during the developmental stage of early childhood, specifically between the ages of 3 to 6 years. During this stage, children begin to assert their power and control over their environment through directing play and other social interactions.

Successful resolution of this crisis involves children developing a sense of initiative; they learn to initiate activities, assert themselves, and take the lead in tasks. This helps build confidence and a sense of purpose. If children are overly restricted or punished for their attempts to take initiative, they may develop guilt over their needs and desires, which can hinder their development in later stages of life.

Thus, the correct age range for resolving the initiative versus guilt crisis is between 3 and 6 years, making this the pivotal period where children are encouraged to explore and engage with their environment, laying a foundation for future psychosocial development.