According to Erikson, which developmental task represents the toddler stage?

According to Erikson, which developmental task represents the toddler stage?

• A. Trust
• B. Industry
• C. Autonomy
• D. Identity formation

Answer: (C)

Autonomy vs. shame and doubt is the task of the toddler years, roughly ages 1 to 3. In this period, children strive to act independently—trying to dress themselves, feed themselves, and make simple choices. When caregivers support these efforts with encouragement and safe limits, the child gains autonomy, a growing sense of self-control and confidence in their abilities. If independence is blocked or harshly criticized, the child may develop shame or doubt about their capabilities, leading to dependence on others. This stage is different from trust, which develops in infancy; industry, which comes with the school-age years as children master tasks and gain competence; and identity formation, which appears in adolescence as individuals explore roles and beliefs. So, the developmental task for the toddler stage is autonomy.

Autonomy vs. shame and doubt is the task of the toddler years, roughly ages 1 to 3. In this period, children strive to act independently—trying to dress themselves, feed themselves, and make simple choices. When caregivers support these efforts with encouragement and safe limits, the child gains autonomy, a growing sense of self-control and confidence in their abilities. If independence is blocked or harshly criticized, the child may develop shame or doubt about their capabilities, leading to dependence on others. This stage is different from trust, which develops in infancy; industry, which comes with the school-age years as children master tasks and gain competence; and identity formation, which appears in adolescence as individuals explore roles and beliefs. So, the developmental task for the toddler stage is autonomy.