Final answer:
It is true that children perfecting cleanliness habits should be supported by parents, as these habits can affect adulthood. The hygiene hypothesis supports a balance between cleanliness and microbial exposure for a healthy immune system. Caregivers play a crucial role in shaping hygiene habits and potentially influencing adult personality traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that children have perfected developing and maintaining cleanliness habits and that parents should support these habits because poorly acquired habits can continue into adulthood is considered true. It is crucial for parents to assist children in acquiring proper hygiene habits early in life. The hygiene hypothesis, first introduced by David Strachan, suggests that while maintaining good hygiene is important, some exposure to microbes during childhood could be beneficial to the immune system. However, fostering both good hygiene practices and a healthy immune system involves a balance between cleanliness and exposure to harmless bacteria.
It is also essential to recognize that personal hygiene habits are often linked with social values and can impact a person's self-esteem. Parents who encourage cleanliness and reward hygiene behaviors positively can help their children develop self-confidence and a sense of competence as observed in behavioral shaping strategies. Moreover, the psychosexual development stages proposed by Freud indicate that how caregivers manage cleanliness-related tasks like weaning and toilet training can influence personality traits in adulthood.