Which stage from Erikson's development theory focuses on the ability to self-care?

The stage that centers on the ability to self-care is the one that emphasizes autonomy and personal independence, which is characterized by a child's developing sense of security in their abilities. In this stage, typically occurring between the ages of 1 and 3 years, children are encouraged to explore their environment and practice self-care tasks, such as dressing themselves, toilet training, and making simple choices about their activities.

When children successfully navigate this stage, they gain a sense of autonomy and confidence in their ability to take care of themselves and make decisions. Conversely, if caregivers are overly critical or restrictive, children may begin to feel shame and doubt about their abilities, which can hinder their development of independence and self-care skills. Thus, this stage is pivotal for fostering a sense of self-efficacy regarding personal care and independence.

The other stages mentioned do not focus on self-care to the same extent. Trust versus mistrust deals with the development of trust in caregivers, while industry versus inferiority emphasizes a child's competence and social skills. Intimacy versus isolation is centered on forming relationships in young adulthood rather than on self-care during early childhood.