Final answer:
In Erikson's psychosocial theory, the negative outcome of guilt arises when children in the preschool stage do not successfully navigate the task of initiative versus guilt.
Step-by-step explanation:
Guilt is the negative consequence in Erikson's psychosocial theory of development when resolving the developmental task of the preschool stage, which is characterized by the conflict of initiative versus guilt.
During this stage, preschool children (ages 3-6 years) are learning to initiate activities and assert control through social interactions and play. When children successfully navigate this stage, they develop self-confidence and a sense of purpose. However, if their initiative is stifled or misfired, perhaps due to over-controlling parents, they may develop feelings of guilt.
Erikson's psychosocial stages of development span across the entire lifespan and emphasize the social relationships important at each stage, which, unlike Freud's theory, suggests that personality develops throughout every stage of life, influencing how we master specific psychosocial tasks or conflicts.