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

Appeared in: HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

According to Erikson's theory, the toddler stage (18 months to 3 years) is defined by the psychosocial crisis of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.
During this period, toddlers strive to gain independence and self-control over their own bodies and actions, such as toilet training, feeding, and dressing.
Successful resolution of this stage results in the virtue of 'will,' where the child develops a sense of self-confidence and the ability to make choices.
Failure to achieve autonomy, often due to overly restrictive or critical parenting, can lead to feelings of shame and doubt about their own capabilities.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option B: Generativity vs. Stagnation is the psychosocial crisis of middle adulthood (approximately 40s to 60s).
Option C: Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of psychosocial development, occurring in older adulthood (60s and beyond).
Option D: Trust vs. Mistrust is the first stage of psychosocial development, characteristic of infancy (birth to about 18 months).

Related Visual

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 Erikson's theory to provide anticipatory guidance to parents, helping them understand their toddler's behavior (like negativism and temper tantrums) as a normal part of developing autonomy.
In a hospital setting, allowing toddlers to make simple choices (e.g., which arm to use for a blood pressure reading) can help them maintain a sense of control and reduce anxiety.
What if a toddler is hospitalized and has to undergo restrictive procedures? The nurse's role becomes crucial in providing opportunities for autonomy in other areas (like playtime or food choices) to mitigate feelings of shame and powerlessness.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'psychosocial theory,' 'Erikson,' and 'toddler age group.'
This is a recall-based question that requires knowledge of a specific developmental theory.
Recall Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development and the approximate age range for each.
Match the 'toddler' age group (roughly 1-3 years) to the corresponding stage.
Select the option that correctly identifies the crisis for this age group, which is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
Stem keywords: psychosocial theory, Erikson, toddler age group
Lead-in keywords: which behavior
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

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Reference Book

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 3370-3372

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 3058-3060

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 1 p. 164-166

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