Final answer:
The virtue acquired through successful resolution of initiative versus guilt is purpose. Mastery of this stage, typically associated with preschool-aged children, leads to a healthy personality and competencies such as goal-setting and productive interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The virtue acquired through successful resolution of Erikson's developmental crisis of initiative versus guilt is B) purpose. This stage is characteristic of the preschool period where children are learning to initiate actions and assert control over their world. Those who successfully navigate this stage develop a sense of initiative and feel a sense of purpose in their actions. They are capable of setting goals, making decisions, and interacting with others productively. Conversely, children who do not successfully overcome this stage may experience feelings of guilt, and their initiative may be stifled, potentially due to factors such as over-controlling parents.
In Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, successful completion of the challenges inherent in each developmental stage results in a sense of competence and a healthy personality, while failure to do so can result in feelings of inadequacy.
It's important to understand that each developmental stage addresses a different challenge, for example, in late adulthood, the challenge is integrity versus despair, where individuals reflect on their lives and accomplishments.