In which stage of Erikson's psychosocial development is a 2-year-old child primarily functioning?

A 2-year-old child is primarily functioning in the stage of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt in Erikson's psychosocial development theory. At this age, toddlers are beginning to assert their independence and are eager to explore their environment. They start to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. This stage involves the child's struggle for autonomy, and success in this stage leads to feelings of autonomy, while failure can result in feelings of shame and doubt about their abilities.

For a 2-year-old, parents encourage independence by allowing them to make choices, such as what to wear or what snack to eat, thereby fostering a sense of autonomy. If a child is constantly criticized or overly controlled, they may develop a sense of shame or doubt in their ability to make choices. Understanding this stage helps caregivers provide the right support to foster healthy development during this critical period.