According to Erikson, what stage involves a child learning to take initiative and face guilt?

The stage that involves a child learning to take initiative and face guilt is indeed the initiative vs. guilt stage. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 3 and 6 years and is crucial for a child's development. During this time, children begin to assert control and power over their environment through directing play and other social interactions. As they explore their abilities and take initiatives, they may also encounter feelings of guilt, especially when their initiatives lead to negative outcomes or when they feel that they overstep limits set by caregivers.

Successfully navigating this stage helps children develop a sense of initiative, which fosters a spirit of exploration and creativity. If children fail to achieve this, they may develop a sense of guilt over their needs and desires. This process is fundamental for building confidence and social skills, as well as understanding the impact of their actions on others. In contrast, the other stages highlighted involve different developmental tasks and challenges that are not specifically related to initiative and guilt.