Human Behavior > Human Functioning Information > Autonomy in Contrast with Shyness and Doubt (synthesis: Willpower)
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Autonomy in Contrast with Shyness and Doubt (synthesis: Willpower)Autonomy in contrast with Shyness and Doubt (Synthesis: Willpower)
In this stage, roughly the second to fourth year of life, the task is to reach a feeling of autonomy (independency) and at the same time, prevent a feeling of shyness and doubt. This is a stage where the body is maturing rapidly and the child has much more selfcontrol and motorial movement. For example, the child learns to walk and manages to control excretion functions of the body. However, society sets higher demands and attempts to develop the child’s motorial and bodily control. Maturing of body enables children to obtain more autonomy and follow their own will. Because children now control the excretory functions, the basis is formed for a variety of actions. The greater extent of autonomy brings children in touch with rules and standards for behavior. It opens the possibility of failure resulting in shame and doubt concerning their own abilities. At the same time, this contrast of freedom and rules, is important for the development of the conscience. It is important that older children be allowed to exercise their autonomy. Parents must handle possible failures sympathetically so that the child does not harm his/her self-confidence and reaches the synthesis of will-power. |