At what age does the initiative vs. guilt stage occur?

The initiative vs. guilt stage occurs during the ages of 3 to 6 years, according to Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory. This stage is characterized by children beginning to assert control and power over their environment through directing play and other social interactions. They are starting to explore their abilities and take initiative in their activities, which fosters a sense of purpose.

During this stage, when children successfully take initiative, they feel proud of their accomplishments and are encouraged to engage in activities that allow them to explore and interact with the world. However, if they are discouraged or feel guilty about their attempts to assert independence, it can lead to feelings of guilt. This period is crucial for establishing a child's sense of leadership and decision-making.

The other age ranges mentioned do not align with Erikson’s model for this particular stage. The earlier stages focus on basic trust and autonomy, while the later stage involves industry vs. inferiority, reflecting further developmental tasks that build on the initiative they developed earlier in life.