Which term describes the early childhood stage when children learn to make choices and act independently?

Which term describes the early childhood stage when children learn to make choices and act independently?

• A. Object permanence
• B. Sensory exploration
• C. Autonomy v. Shame/Doubt stage
• D. Trust v. Mistrust stage

Answer: (C)

Autonomy and independence development in the toddler years. This term reflects Erikson’s stage where children, roughly ages 1–3, start making choices and acting on their own preferences. When caregivers support self-directed activities—allowing a child to pick clothes, feed themselves, or decide between toys—the child builds a sense of autonomy, feeling capable of influencing their world. If guidance is overly controlling or critical, the child may develop shame and doubt about their abilities, hesitating to try new things. The other terms describe different domains: object permanence is a cognitive milestone from infancy about understanding that objects exist even when not visible; sensory exploration covers early learning through sensing and investigating the environment; trust vs mistrust is the earlier infancy stage about whether caregivers reliably meet basic needs.

Autonomy and independence development in the toddler years. This term reflects Erikson’s stage where children, roughly ages 1–3, start making choices and acting on their own preferences. When caregivers support self-directed activities—allowing a child to pick clothes, feed themselves, or decide between toys—the child builds a sense of autonomy, feeling capable of influencing their world. If guidance is overly controlling or critical, the child may develop shame and doubt about their abilities, hesitating to try new things. The other terms describe different domains: object permanence is a cognitive milestone from infancy about understanding that objects exist even when not visible; sensory exploration covers early learning through sensing and investigating the environment; trust vs mistrust is the earlier infancy stage about whether caregivers reliably meet basic needs.