Rani brings her toddler to the clinic and says the child always says "no", throws tantrums, and is stubborn. This behavior indicates:

Appeared in: UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The question describes behaviors typical of a toddler: negativism (saying 'no'), tantrums, and stubbornness.
These behaviors are hallmarks of Erik Erikson's second stage of psychosocial development: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.
This stage occurs between 18 months and 3 years, where the child's main task is to develop a sense of personal control and independence.
Asserting their will through these behaviors is a normal part of developing the virtue of 'will' and autonomy.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option B: The development of inferiority is the negative outcome of the 'Industry vs. Inferiority' stage.
Option C: The development of mistrust is the negative outcome of the 'Trust vs. Mistrust' stage.
Option D: The development of guilt is the negative outcome of the 'Initiative vs. Guilt' stage.

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.
A key nursing role is providing anticipatory guidance to parents, explaining that behaviors like negativism and tantrums are normal for toddlers and are signs of healthy development.
Nurses can teach parents effective strategies, such as offering limited choices and maintaining consistent routines, to support the child's autonomy while managing challenging behaviors.
What if? If a 7-year-old child consistently showed extreme negativism and tantrums, it would be atypical for the 'Industry vs. Inferiority' stage. This would warrant further assessment for behavioral or developmental issues, rather than being dismissed as a normal phase.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key patient demographic and behaviors in the question stem: a 'toddler' who says 'no,' has tantrums, and is stubborn.
Recall theories of childhood development, specifically Erikson's stages of psychosocial development.
Match the age group 'toddler' (roughly 1-3 years) to the corresponding Eriksonian stage, which is 'Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt'.
Confirm that the described behaviors (asserting will, negativism, frustration) align with the central conflict of this stage.
Eliminate the other options by identifying the age groups they apply to: Mistrust (infancy), Guilt (preschool), and Inferiority (school age).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
Stem keywords: toddler, says "no", throws tantrums, stubborn
Lead-in keywords: indicates
Clinical cues: Behavioral description of a toddler (negativism, tantrums) points to a specific developmental stage.
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QaCxQNGI5U2ehA7urH_sK_

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) pp. 3059-3061, 3058-3060

Practise the full UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

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