When are children who live with overly critical or controlling adults particularly vulnerable?
A. During years two and three, when they're exercising increased autonomy
B. During elementary school, when involved in real task completion
C. During preadolescence, when they have increased motivations toward independence
D. During the first year of life, when they're developing a sense of trust
my answer is a.
I am tempted to say: "All of the above", but would probably guess C.
Your answer is correct! Children who live with overly critical or controlling adults are particularly vulnerable during years two and three when they're exercising increased autonomy.
To arrive at this answer, you need to understand the developmental stages of children and how their autonomy increases as they grow. During the toddler years (around two and three), children become more independent and assert their own will. However, if they are living with overly critical or controlling adults, these behaviors can be met with excessive criticism, manipulation, or punishment, leading to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and low self-esteem. This vulnerability arises because these critical or controlling adults may inhibit the child's developing autonomy and sense of self during this crucial developmental phase.