Which stage covers gaining independence and self-control from caregivers?

• A. Intimacy vs Isolation
• B. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
• C. Identity vs Role Confusion
• D. Generativity vs Stagnation

Answer: (B)

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt is the stage where a child learns independence and self-control from caregivers. In the toddler years, kids start doing things for themselves—feeding, dressing, exploring, making choices—and they gain a sense of mastery when caregivers support safe independence. When encouragement is balanced, the child develops confidence in their own abilities. If caregivers are overly critical or overprotective, the child can feel shame about trying new things and doubt their capabilities. This tension around independence and self-direction is what this stage captures. By contrast, forming close relationships and intimate bonds is the focus of later adulthood, developing a stable sense of self occurs in adolescence, and contributing to others or guiding the next generation happens in middle adulthood.