Question

As toddlers (ages 1-3 years) begin to explore their world, they learn that they can control their actions and act on the environment to get results. What is the primary developmental task of this stage?

1) autonomy vs. shame/doubt
2) industry vs. inferiority
3) initiative vs. guilt
4) trust vs. mistrust

Answer 1

The correct answer is: "autonomy vs shame/doubt"

The question is refered to Erickson's steps of psychosocial development. This theory appoints that each stage in life poses a challenge. Two opposing forces act over the person, who has to be able to resolve the trade-off, by adopting the positive force (autonomy in this case) and discarding the negative one (shame/doubt), in order to sucessfully advance in the development of his/her psychosocial personality and to arrive to the next step.

In this period, between 1-3 years old, the main aim is to achieve certain degree of autonomy by minimizing shame and doubt. The role of parents is crucial in giving toddlers the adequate degree of autonomy they need to sucessfuly end this stage.