At what age does the stage 'Initiative vs. Guilt' occur according to Erikson's theory?

The stage of 'Initiative vs. Guilt' occurs during the ages of approximately 3 years to 5-6 years, according to Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory. During this stage, children begin to assert their power and control over their environment through directing play and other social interactions. They start to initiate activities and explore their abilities, which fosters a sense of initiative. Successfully navigating this stage leads to a sense of purpose and confidence in their ability to lead and make decisions.

If children face discouragement or criticism during this time, they may develop feelings of guilt over their desires and suppression of their initiatives. This is a crucial part of their emotional development as it helps shape their self-esteem and ability to take on challenges later in life. The other age ranges you mention represent different stages in Erikson's theory. For instance, the infancy stage is focused on trust versus mistrust, and the later stage involves more complex questions of identity and friendships as children grow into adolescents.