Question

Barbara wants to be the "perfect mother." She tends to be overprotective, doing things for her 3-year-old daughter that the child can very well do for herself. According to Erikson, although Barbara thinks she is being an effective parent, her daughter is likely to develop a sense of:

A) Autonomy
B) Trust
C) Initiative
D) Shame and doubt

Answer 1

Barbara's overprotective behavior is likely causing her daughter to develop a sense of shame and doubt, thwarting the toddler's critical development of autonomy according to Erikson's theory. So, the correct answer is option a.

Step-by-step explanation:

Barbara wants to be the "perfect mother" but is overprotective, doing things for her 3-year-old daughter that she could do herself. According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, her daughter is likely to develop a sense of shame and doubt because this stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt in toddlers is crucial for establishing independence.

By overprotecting her child and not allowing her the chance to do things on her own, Barbara may inadvertently prevent her daughter from developing a sense of autonomy and may contribute to low self-esteem.