Erikson's Toddlerhood Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt + Erikson's Early School Years Crisis: Initiative vs. Guilt

Autonomy

A child's growing sense of independence and confidence to try new things or do things on their own.

Shame and Doubt

Self-criticism and feelings of incompetence where a child avoids trying new activities out of fear of failure

Central Process for Resolving Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt

Imitation—children watch and copy models (like parents) to learn social norms and skills

Prime Adaptive Ego Quality of autonomy vs shame & doubt

Will (self-directed determination and a positive sense of self)

What is the crisis in toddlerhood?

Autonomy vs shame & doubt

Initiative

The mental conceptualization and exploration of the world, driven by curiosity and agency.

Guilt

A negative emotion felt when a child believes they are responsible for an unacceptable thought, action, or harm, paired with a desire to make amends

Central Process for Resolving initiative vs guilt

Identification—incorporating the values, beliefs, and norms of parents/caregivers into one's own belief system.

What is the crisis in childhood years?

initiative vs guilt