If a child's inquisitive behavior is met with condemnation, he may learn to feel guilty and respond by isolating himself and not taking initiative. They become aware of the way men and women relate and decide how they feel about their sex gender. Hopefully, initiative in play and interpersonal relations will be rewarded and the child will enjoy interaction, identify positively with his sexuality, and develop a sense of direction and purpose from his play. The child enters school and a competitive environment leaving the safety of his family. Intense competition for recognition may leave a child with deep feelings of inferiority.
Successful resolution leads to feelings of competency and productivity.