The theory that changed the way we look at development
Initiative vs. Guilt affects ages 3-6 years. This is the stage where children begin to interact with other students in the school setting and if parents/ teachers are supportive of their children/students, they will become more confident to lead and speak their minds creating initiative.
Initiative is defined in Merriam-Websters dictionary as, "The power or opportunity to do something before others do."
Erikson believed that most guilt is quickly compensated for by a sense of accomplishment.(Sharkey, 1997)
Guilt is defined in Merriam-Websters dictionary as, "A bad feeling caused by thinking or knowing you have done something wrong."
However, if parents are not supportive and teachers tell them their opinions are not right, they can develop a sense of guilt and not express themselves.