Theories of Childhood, Second Edition (Carol Garhart Mooney) / quote 36 of 70
Autonomy versus shame and doubt
Erikson’s second stage of psychosocial development, which takes place during the second and third year of life, is autonomy versus shame and doubt. The developmental task of this stage is to acquire a sense of autonomy (independence) without suffering extremes of shame and doubt. Children who successfully adapt during this stage of development will acquire a strong sense of self. They will be able to separate confidently, for limited periods of time, from parents and primary caregivers. They will demand that they do things for themselves whenever possible.