In Erikson's second stage, what is the primary conflict faced?

In Erikson's second stage, which occurs during early childhood, the primary conflict is autonomy vs. shame and doubt. During this period, children are developing a sense of personal control over their physical skills and a sense of independence. This is when toddlers begin to assert their autonomy as they learn to do things on their own, such as potty training, dressing themselves, and making simple choices.

Successfully navigating this stage leads to feelings of autonomy and confidence, while failure can result in feelings of shame and doubt regarding their abilities. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role during this stage by providing support and encouragement, allowing children to explore their capabilities without undue criticism. This stage is fundamentally about fostering a healthy sense of independence and self-efficacy.

The other stages mentioned in the options pertain to different periods of development according to Erikson's psychosocial theory. Trust vs. Mistrust pertains to infancy, initiative vs. guilt relates to preschool years, and identity vs. role confusion occurs during adolescence. Each of these stages builds on the previous ones, but autonomy vs. shame and doubt is distinctively highlighted in the second stage of development.