Erikson's Psycho-social Stages Around Autonomy

Erik Erikson's theory outlines eight psycho-social stages across the lifespan. Each stage is characterized by a specific crisis that must be resolved.

The question asks for the stages immediately preceding and succeeding Autonomy v/s Shame and Doubt.

Stage Preceding Autonomy v/s Shame

• Stage 1: Basic Trust v/s Mistrust (Infancy, 0-1 years). This stage establishes a fundamental sense of security and trust in the world, which is necessary for developing autonomy.

Stage Succeeding Autonomy v/s Shame

• Stage 3: Initiative v/s Guilt (Preschool, 3-5 years). After successfully navigating the challenge of autonomy, children begin to assert control and take initiative in activities.

Summary of Crises

Therefore, the psycho-social crisis that precedes Autonomy v/s Shame is Basic Trust v/s Mistrust, and the one that succeeds it is Initiative v/s Guilt.

Referencing the options provided:

• Option 1: Includes the preceding stage but incorrectly lists Industry.
• Option 2: Lists the succeeding stage but misses the preceding stage and includes Industry.
• Option 3: Lists later stages (Industry and Identity) which are not immediate successors.
• Option 4: Correctly lists Basic Trust v/s Mistrust (preceding) and Initiative v/s Guilt (succeeding).