Early childhood (1-3) Erikson stage?

• A. Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt
• B. Trust vs Mistrust
• C. Identity vs Confusion
• D. Initiative vs Guilt

Answer: (A)

In this stage, the focus is on becoming independent and in control of one’s actions. The central tension is autonomy versus shame and doubt. At ages 1–3, children are learning to do things for themselves—walking, feeding, making simple choices, and exploring their surroundings. When caregivers support these efforts, provide safe opportunities to try new tasks, and praise progress, the child develops autonomy and a sense of competence. If independence is met with harsh criticism, overcontrol, or punishment for mistakes, the child may feel shame about trying and doubt their own abilities, leading to dependence on others. By contrast, trust vs mistrust belongs to infancy, initiative vs guilt to the 3–6 preschool years, and identity vs confusion to adolescence, which is why this stage best fits the 1–3 window.