According to Erikson, which conflict occurs roughly from 18 months to 3 1/2 years?

According to Erikson, which conflict occurs roughly from 18 months to 3 1/2 years?

• A. Basic Trust vs Mistrust
• B. Industry vs Inferiority
• C. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
• D. Identity vs Role Confusion

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is Erikson's second stage of psychosocial development, where a child begins to act with increasing independence. From about 18 months to 3 1/2 years, children attempt to do things for themselves—dress, eat, explore their surroundings—while still needing guidance and boundaries from caregivers. When adults support these exploratory efforts and provide safe opportunities for choice, the child develops a sense of autonomy, feeling capable of making decisions. If care is overly controlling or critical, the child may feel ashamed of trying, or doubt their ability to act on their own, which can hinder independence. This matches the autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage, distinct from other stages by both the age range and the nature of the conflict: basic trust vs mistrust occurs in infancy, industry vs inferiority around school age, and identity vs role confusion during adolescence. So, the period from 18 months to 3 1/2 years best fits autonomy vs. shame and doubt.

The concept being tested is Erikson's second stage of psychosocial development, where a child begins to act with increasing independence. From about 18 months to 3 1/2 years, children attempt to do things for themselves—dress, eat, explore their surroundings—while still needing guidance and boundaries from caregivers. When adults support these exploratory efforts and provide safe opportunities for choice, the child develops a sense of autonomy, feeling capable of making decisions. If care is overly controlling or critical, the child may feel ashamed of trying, or doubt their ability to act on their own, which can hinder independence. This matches the autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage, distinct from other stages by both the age range and the nature of the conflict: basic trust vs mistrust occurs in infancy, industry vs inferiority around school age, and identity vs role confusion during adolescence. So, the period from 18 months to 3 1/2 years best fits autonomy vs. shame and doubt.