According to psychosocial theory of Erikson, which behavior is seen in toddler age group?

Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Psychology

Easy

Appeared in: Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Explanation

Erikson's second stage of psychosocial development is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.
This stage occurs during the toddler years, typically between the ages of 18 months and 3 years.
The central conflict involves the child's need to develop a sense of personal control and independence.
Successful navigation of this stage results in the virtue of 'will'. Toddlers express this by making choices about what they prefer to wear, eat, or play with.
If children are overly controlled or criticized, they may be left with a sense of inadequacy, leading to shame and doubt in their own abilities.

Option B: Generativity vs. Stagnation is the seventh stage of Erikson's theory, not the second. It does not apply to toddlers.
Option C: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the eighth and final stage of psychosocial development, concerning the elderly.
Option D: Trust vs. Mistrust is the first stage of development, preceding the toddler stage.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses can use this knowledge to provide developmentally appropriate care. For a toddler, this means encouraging independence by offering simple, safe choices, such as which cup to use for medicine or which arm to use for a blood pressure reading.
Understanding this stage helps in patient and family education. A nurse can explain to parents that a toddler's 'no' phase is a normal and healthy part of developing autonomy, not just defiance.
What if the patient was a 4-year-old preschooler instead of a toddler? The nurse's approach would shift to address the 'Initiative vs. Guilt' stage, focusing on encouraging the child's desire to plan and undertake activities, while providing gentle limits to prevent feelings of guilt.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concepts in the question: 'psychosocial theory of Erikson' and 'toddler age group'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of developmental psychology.
Mentally review or visualize Erikson's eight stages of development.
Match the 'toddler' age group (typically 1-3 years) with the corresponding psychosocial crisis.
The first stage is Trust vs. Mistrust (infancy). The second stage is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (toddlerhood).
Select the option that matches this stage and eliminate the options corresponding to other life stages (middle adulthood, late adulthood, and infancy).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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