What is the third stage of Erikson's psychosocial development and its ego virtue?

• A. Initiative vs Guilt; Purpose
• B. Trust vs Mistrust; Hope
• C. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt; Will
• D. Industry vs Inferiority; Competence

Answer: (A)

In Erikson’s theory, the third psychosocial stage occurs during the preschool years when children are eager to explore, take initiative, and direct their own activities. The crisis at this stage is Initiative versus Guilt, and the healthy resolution leads to the ego virtue of Purpose. Purpose means the child develops the confidence to plan and pursue goals, balancing initiative with an awareness of limits and potential consequences. When initiative is supported, children feel capable of leading actions and making decisions; when it’s stifled by excessive guilt, they may become hesitant and doubt their abilities.

So, this stage is Initiative versus Guilt, and its ego virtue is Purpose. The other stages map to different pairings (first stage with Hope, second with Will, fourth with Competence), which is why this option aligns with the third stage and its virtue.