Discuss some challenges of Erikson’s second stage- autonomy versus shame and doubt. How could we better help a child resolve this conflict successfully?

Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is a complex, yet in-depth study of the psychological and social aspects of human growth from infancy to adulthood. His stages are crucial for the healthy psychological development of individuals, which can lead to better functioning in society (Hirshman & Grotevant, 2020). Erikson’s second stage is Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt. In this stage, children begin to develop their sense of self through physical autonomy. This includes developing skills such as toilet training and dressing themselves (Cherry, 2021). However if not handled well by parents or caretakers it can have lifelong impacts on the child’s psychosocial wellbeing and hinders them in succeeding future stages.