Initiative vs.

Guilt is Erik Erikson’s 3rd Stage of Psychosocial Development wherein

it tackles about the growth of the child leading to his/her assertion. Play is a central
factor in this stage. Initiative is the act wherein independency is involved in order
to strengthen the child’s autonomy to pursue their innate abilities, decide and
somehow lead others along with themselves. Contrary to this is guilt wherein it
hinders the child’s capacity to act independently and decide for themselves.

Initiative is strengthened by the opportunities done by the support of the parents

and by the act of play wherein exploration of one’s capabilities is involved and a
sense of purpose is accomplished and is achieved when successful. However,
guilt occurs when this opportunity of play is restricted by the factors such as
punishment and the treatment of such as nuisance by the parents, hence,
hindering the child’s advancement or growth.

For me, this stage is an essential part of a child’s growth wherein it is crucial in
enhancing one’s own capacity to think and act with initiative such as to lead oneself
and others through a reason for the pursuit on the virtue of purpose. By the virtue
of purpose is essence in which development is attained especially through oneself.
Hence, attainment of initiative to act and lead is purposeful through the course of
one’s psychosocial development.