Final answer:
During the preschool stage (ages 3-6 years), the stage of initiative versus guilt arises according to Erikson's psychosocial development theory. Over-controlling parents may stifle a child's initiative by restricting their independence, leading to feelings of guilt.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erikson's stage of psychological Development
According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, during the preschool stage (ages 3-6 years), children encounter the stage of initiative versus guilt. In this stage, they start to assert control and exhibit ambition as they initiate activities and engage with their peers. The resolution of this stage is crucial for children to develop self-confidence and a sense of purpose. However, over-controlling parents can stifle a child's initiative by not allowing them the freedom to explore or by criticizing their attempts to be independent. This can lead to the child feeling guilty for their desires to be autonomous and may hinder the development of their initiative.
Erikson's theory spans eight stages from infancy to late adulthood. Each stage presents a conflict that needs resolution for a person to feel competent and develop a healthy personality. Industry versus inferiority is the task during the elementary stage, and autonomy versus shame and doubt is the critical task in toddlerhood. The stage of identity versus role confusion characterizes adolescence. These stages reflect the importance of social relationships in shaping one's sense of self and personality throughout the life span.
Overly controlling parents might restrict a child's choices, override the child's preferences, discourage independent thought, and excessively monitor their activities, which can leave the child feeling guilty for their natural desires to explore and be independent, thus suppressing their sense of initiative.