Which Eriksonian stage dominates early childhood and what is its core motivation?

Which Eriksonian stage dominates early childhood and what is its core motivation?

• A. Initiative vs. Guilt
• B. Trust vs. Mistrust
• C. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
• D. Identity vs. Role Confusion

Answer: (A)

During early childhood, children begin to act with purpose and seek to undertake tasks with others. In Erikson’s model, this is the stage of initiative versus guilt. The core drive here is initiative—the urge to start activities, plan play, and take on leadership in tasks and games. When adults and peers support these efforts, the child develops a sense of purpose and competence. If their attempts are continually thwarted or punished, they may feel guilty about acting on their impulses, which can undermine their willingness to take initiative. This is why initiative is the dominant motivational force in this period. For context, trust vs. mistrust is an infancy stage, autonomy vs. shame and doubt occurs in the toddler years, and identity vs. role confusion is associated with adolescence.

During early childhood, children begin to act with purpose and seek to undertake tasks with others. In Erikson’s model, this is the stage of initiative versus guilt. The core drive here is initiative—the urge to start activities, plan play, and take on leadership in tasks and games. When adults and peers support these efforts, the child develops a sense of purpose and competence. If their attempts are continually thwarted or punished, they may feel guilty about acting on their impulses, which can undermine their willingness to take initiative. This is why initiative is the dominant motivational force in this period. For context, trust vs. mistrust is an infancy stage, autonomy vs. shame and doubt occurs in the toddler years, and identity vs. role confusion is associated with adolescence.