In the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage, what is the primary developmental goal for ages 1 to 3?

• A. Learn to socialize with peers
• B. Become independent and learn skills
• C. Develop a sense of identity
• D. Reflect on life goals

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is about how toddlers strive to act on their own and master new abilities. During ages 1 to 3, the primary developmental goal is for the child to become independent and learn practical skills. This means they want to do things for themselves—walking, feeding, dressing, toilet routines, and exploring their surroundings. When caregivers support these efforts with patience and giving age-appropriate tasks, the child gains a sense of autonomy and competence. If they’re overly controlled or harsh about mistakes, the child may feel shame or doubt about their abilities, which can hinder exploration. Why the other options don’t fit as the main goal: socializing with peers is important but more about early social skills, not the core aim of this stage; forming a sense of identity is typically associated with adolescence; reflecting on life goals is a much later developmental task. So becoming independent and learning new skills best captures the developmental focus of this stage.