What does the Initiative vs Guilt stage in Erikson's model encourage children to develop?

In Erikson's model of psychosocial development, the Initiative vs Guilt stage occurs roughly 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. The successful outcome of this stage leads to a sense of purpose, where children learn to initiate activities, make decisions, and take the initiative in their play and interactions with others.

This development is crucial as children explore their abilities and engage in cooperative play, thereby gaining self-confidence and understanding of how to navigate social relationships. When they successfully compile new roles and scenarios during play, they experience a sense of accomplishment and purpose. On the other hand, if this initiative is stifled by overly critical or controlling parents, children may develop feelings of guilt about their needs and desires. Thus, fostering initiative leads to a healthy development of purpose and a stronger sense of self.