Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

What characterizes the initiative vs. guilt stage of development?

1. The child seeks independence in decision making

2. The child begins to engage in fantasy play

3. The child asserts himself in play and social interaction

4. The child develops a sense of duty and responsibility

The correct answer is: The child asserts himself in play and social interaction

The initiative vs. guilt stage of development, as proposed by Erik Erikson, typically occurs in early childhood, around ages 3 to 6. During this stage, children start to assert themselves more in their interactions with others, which is reflected through play and social engagement. When children assert themselves, they are taking initiative; they are eager to take on new challenges, explore their surroundings, and actively engage with peers. This exploration often involves role-playing during fantasy play, where they practice social roles and develop their identity. Children in this stage may experiment with leadership and decision-making among their peers, fostering a sense of confidence and agency. A successful outcome in this stage leads to a sense of initiative, while failure or excessive criticism can result in feelings of guilt. This understanding helps to see that children navigating this stage are not just merely engaging in imaginative play but are actively developing social skills and a sense of autonomy as they participate in cooperative play and explore their ideas in a social context.