During which of Erikson's stages does one begin to experience guilt for their initiatives?

The stage where one begins to experience guilt for their initiatives is clearly identified as Initiative vs. Guilt. This stage occurs during early childhood, typically between the ages of 3 and 6 years. At this point in development, children are exploring their abilities and taking initiative in their activities. They are learning to assert control over their world through play and taking on tasks.

However, when these initiatives conflict with parental expectations or if the child is discouraged from their explorations, they may begin to feel guilt. This feeling arises when a child perceives that their actions are inappropriate or when they sense that they have overstepped boundaries set by caregivers. The balance achieved during this stage influences a child’s ability to initiate activities in the future without feeling undue guilt.

In contrast, the other stages focus on different themes of development: Industry vs. Inferiority pertains to the competence in skills and tasks during middle childhood; Integrity vs. Despair deals with reflection on life in later adulthood; and Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt centers on personal control and independence typically during toddler years. Each of these stages represents different developmental challenges and emotional responses, distinct from the feelings of initiative and guilt experienced in the correct stage.