NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2026 - Free School Nurse Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development outlines various stages that individuals go through as they grow. The stage of autonomy vs. shame and doubt occurs during the ages of 1 to 3 years. During this stage, toddlers begin to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. Successful resolution of this stage fosters autonomy, as children learn to do things for themselves, such as toilet training and basic self-care.

In contrast, failure to achieve this autonomy can lead to feelings of shame and doubt about their abilities, which can impact their confidence as they grow. The emphasis on fostering independence in this early development stage is crucial; it helps establish a foundation for subsequent stages in Erikson’s framework, ultimately influencing the individual’s sense of self in future interactions and challenges. This focus on early childhood is distinct from other stages, such as initiative vs. guilt (ages 3-6 years), industry vs. inferiority (ages 6-11 years), and identity vs. role confusion (ages 12-17 years), which address different developmental issues and tasks appropriate for those age groups.