Which Erikson stage corresponds to ages 1-3?

• A. Trust vs Mistrust
• B. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
• C. Initiative vs Guilt
• D. Identity vs Role Confusion

Answer: (B)

In the toddler years, children are learning to do things for themselves and to exert control over their environment. This is the stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt. When caregivers provide supportive guidance, allow trying new tasks, and respond with patience, the child develops a sense of autonomy—believing they can act and make choices. If care is overcontrolling or overly critical, the child may feel shame or doubt about their abilities, leading to hesitancy to try new things. This early balance lays the foundation for independence and self-confidence later on.

Trust versus mistrust is the infancy stage, focused on basic trust in caregivers. Initiative versus guilt comes in the preschool years, about initiating activities and plans. Identity versus role confusion appears in adolescence, regarding a sense of self.