Question

McKenzie, age two, wants to do everything on her own. Her mother punishes her when she attempts to pour her own milk or tries to answer the phone. Erikson would say that McKenzie is likely to develop a sense of:

Answer 1

Answer: Erikson would say that McKenzie is likely to develop a sense of: shame and doubt.

Explanation:

According to Erik Erikson, a developmental psychologist, there is a stage in each child's development which he refers to as "autonomy versus shame and doubt." As he puts it, children between the ages of 18 months to 2/3 years attempt to become more autonomous and gain control. Ideally, at the stage, children become more independent without losing their self-esteem. Sometimes, the parents prevent this stage from being successful, as seen in this case. The young girl's attempt to gain control results in her mother's punishment, which will probably cause the girl to develop a sense of shame and doubt.