Autonomy Vs Shame and Doubt
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Erik Erikson's theory of autonomy versus shame and doubt is the second in his stage theory. This stage occurs during age two and three. The child learns to control their thoughts and feelings and how to incorporate both their motor and mental skills together. The definition of autonomy is the state of being able to exist and operate independently, of being self-sufficient rather than dependent on others. Erikson believed that in order for a caregiver or parent to establish a healthy balance between autonomy and doubt they should consider how to handle all aspects of the child's development, like toilet training and exploring. If a child is restricted or the parents or caregiver is compulsive the child may develop feelings of shame and doubt leading to insecurity.
Trying to set limits and simultaneously encouraging autonomy without shame is definitely a delicate balance. Erikson said it best in his own words: to experience over and over again that he is a person who is permitted to make choices. He has to have the right to choose, for example, whether to sit or whether to stand, whether to approach a visitor or to lean against his mother's kneewhether to use the toilet or to wet his pants. At the same time he must learn some of the boundaries of self-determination...