What is the psychosocial crisis resolved during the second year of life according to Erikson?

The psychosocial crisis resolved during the second year of life, according to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, is autonomy versus shame and doubt. This stage is crucial as it is when toddlers begin to develop their sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. During this time, children start to assert their autonomy by making choices and interacting more with their environment.

When children are encouraged to explore and make choices, they develop a sense of autonomy. However, if they are overly controlled or criticized, they may begin to feel shame or doubt about their abilities, which can negatively influence their self-esteem and confidence moving forward in life. This stage emphasizes the importance of supportive parenting that fosters independence, enabling children to navigate through this developmental challenge successfully. As they resolve this conflict, they build a stronger foundation for future psychosocial development.