Final answer:
The preschool stage features the challenge of initiative versus guilt. Over-controlling parents may stifle a child's initiative by limiting their autonomy, leading to feelings of guilt and decreased self-confidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic conflict during the preschool stage, which encompasses ages 3 to 6 years, is known as initiative versus guilt, according to Erik Erikson's theory. This is a critical period where preschool children begin to assert more control over their environment and partake in social interactions and play. The successful resolution of this conflict results in the development of self-confidence and a feeling of purpose. Conversely, children who face excessive control from parents can have their sense of initiative stifled, leading to feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
Over-controlling parents may undermine a child's sense of initiative by not allowing the child the freedom to explore, make decisions, and engage with their environment. This can result in a child feeling less capable and less deserving of making choices, leading to decreased self-confidence and an increased sense of guilt when they do try to assert themselves. Such experiences during the preschool years can significantly impact a child's psychosocial development.