Erick Erickson theory autonomy vs shame and doubt
Erik Erikson was a developmental psychologist who proposed the theory of psychosocial development, which includes eight stages that individuals go through from infancy to adulthood. One of these stages is the second stage, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, which occurs during early childhood, typically between the ages of 18 months and 3 years.
During this stage, children are learning to assert their independence and develop a sense of autonomy. They begin to explore their environment, make choices, and start to develop their own personalities. This stage is crucial for the development of self-confidence and a sense of self-control.
However, if children are not allowed to explore and make choices for themselves, or if their efforts are constantly criticized or undermined by caregivers, they may develop feelings of shame and doubt. They may become overly dependent on others and lack confidence in their abilities.
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role during this stage in providing children with opportunities to make choices and assert their independence in a safe and supportive environment. By allowing children to explore, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences, they can help them develop a strong sense of self-esteem and autonomy.