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NCLEX · Growth and Development

Which of the following is a characteristic of Erikson's stage of 'Initiative vs Guilt' (ages 3-6)?

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Correct answer

Children begin to assert power through directing play and taking on new activities — when encouraged, they develop initiative; when over-controlled or criticised, they develop guilt about their desires and initiative

  1. A Teens forming personal identity
  2. B Trust building with caregivers
  3. C Adults finding life purpose
  4. D Children begin to assert power through directing play and taking on new activities — when encouraged, they develop initiative; when over-controlled or criticised, they develop guilt about their desires and initiative

Why this is the answer

ERIKSON'S STAGES OF PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: INITIATIVE vs GUILT (ages 3-6, preschool): Children begin to assert themselves — taking initiative in play, pretend play, asking questions, directing activities. When adults encourage initiative, the child develops the virtue of PURPOSE. When adults consistently criticise, punish initiative, or don't allow independent activity, the child develops GUILT about their own impulses and desires.

Nursing application: Preschool hospitalisation — allow children to make some choices (which arm for IV, what colour bandage), play with medical equipment beforehand, encourage pretend play about medical scenarios.

Developmental context: Other stages — Trust vs Mistrust (0-18 months, infancy); Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt (18 months-3 years); Industry vs Inferiority (6-12 years, school age); Identity vs Role Confusion (12-18 years, adolescence).

Source: NCLEX-PN, Erikson's Initiative vs Guilt

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About this topic: Growth and Development

Growth and development questions cover developmental milestones from infancy to adolescence, Erikson's stages, and the anticipatory guidance an LPN/LVN gives parents at each age. This is one of 13 PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance questions on growth and development, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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