Answer :
Final answer:
Erikson's stage of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt highlights the importance of balancing a toddler's developing sense of independence with safety and appropriate limits. Excessive restrictions can lead to feelings of shame and doubt, which can hinder the development of willpower and self-esteem. It is crucial to support a toddler's autonomy within reasonable limits to foster healthy psychological development.
Explanation:
According to Erikson, shame and doubt are important aspects of early childhood development, specifically during the period known as Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. Erikson's second crisis of psychosocial development occurs as toddlers strive to gain a sense of self-rule over their actions and bodies. When toddlers begin to explore their environment, their interest in independence grows, and they start to establish their autonomy. This stage is often characterized by a toddler insisting on doing things by themselves, leading to the "me do it" stage. For example, a toddler may want to choose their own clothing and dress themselves. This budding sense of autonomy is crucial for their development.
However, if caregivers are overly restrictive or critical, a child may begin to feel shame about their actions and doubt their own abilities. This can undermine the development of their willpower and self-esteem. Therefore, it is important that autonomy needs to be balanced with safety and reasonable limits, rather than replaced by unrestrained freedom. A child who has been supported in exercising their autonomy appropriately will develop the willpower to restrain themselves without experiencing undue shame or doubt, leading to a healthy sense of self-regulation.
