The nurse is admitting a 2½-year-old; which stage in Erikson's psychosocial development should the nurse plan care around?

The nurse is admitting a 2½-year-old; which stage in Erikson's psychosocial development should the nurse plan care around?

• A. Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt
• B. Trust versus Mistrust
• C. Initiative versus Guilt
• D. Industry versus Inferiority

Answer: (A)

At about 2½ years, children are in Erikson’s Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt stage. In this phase, toddlers are eager to do things for themselves and exert control over their environment. They want to make choices, master new skills like feeding themselves, dressing, or toilet routines, and test boundaries as they gain independence. Care that supports autonomy—allowing safe choices, providing simple tasks they can complete, and offering encouragement rather than punishment—helps them feel capable and confident. If autonomy is blocked through overly controlling care or harsh criticism, a child may develop a sense of shame and doubt about their abilities, doubting whether they can do things by themselves. The other stages you might see at different ages—Trust versus Mistrust in infancy when needs are met and the world feels reliable; Initiative versus Guilt in the preschool years when children begin planning and initiating activities; Industry versus Inferiority in school age as they master new skills—aren’t as aligned with a 2½-year-old’s typical developmental focus.

At about 2½ years, children are in Erikson’s Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt stage. In this phase, toddlers are eager to do things for themselves and exert control over their environment. They want to make choices, master new skills like feeding themselves, dressing, or toilet routines, and test boundaries as they gain independence. Care that supports autonomy—allowing safe choices, providing simple tasks they can complete, and offering encouragement rather than punishment—helps them feel capable and confident.

If autonomy is blocked through overly controlling care or harsh criticism, a child may develop a sense of shame and doubt about their abilities, doubting whether they can do things by themselves. The other stages you might see at different ages—Trust versus Mistrust in infancy when needs are met and the world feels reliable; Initiative versus Guilt in the preschool years when children begin planning and initiating activities; Industry versus Inferiority in school age as they master new skills—aren’t as aligned with a 2½-year-old’s typical developmental focus.