Autonomy in child development refers to the ability to make independent decisions, a crucial stage in toddlers aged 1-3. Erikson's psychosocial development theory emphasizes this stage as important for self-esteem. In adolescence, autonomy involves the quest for personal identity and sense of self.
Autonomy refers to the ability to act independently and make one's own decisions. In the context of child development, autonomy is a critical stage that appears prominently during toddlerhood, which is usually around ages 1-3 years. However, autonomy continues to be an essential part of development throughout the life stages, including adolescence and early adulthood.
According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, toddlers work on establishing independence and this is often characterized by a 'me do it' attitude. A child may want to make simple choices on their own, such as selecting what to wear. This sense of autonomy is crucial for building a positive self-esteem, while its opposite, over-dependence or excessive restriction, could lead to feelings of shame and doubt.
In adolescence, the development of autonomy transforms into establishing a definitive sense of self and identity, which is Erikson's task of identity versus role confusion. Adolescents explore different roles and ideas as they seek to understand 'Who am I?' and 'What do I want to do with my life?' Successful navigation through this phase results in a strong sense of identity, while difficulty in this stage may result in role confusion and a weaker sense of self.
The term 'autonomy' covers various aspects of self-determination and independence across different life stages and is a predominant feature of developmental psychology.