Autonomy is Erik Erikson's __________ stage of psychosocial development.

Erik Erikson's framework of psychosocial development outlines a series of stages that individuals go through from infancy to adulthood, each characterized by specific conflicts that need resolution. The stage focused on autonomy occurs during early childhood, approximately from ages 1 to 3, and is identified as the second stage, known as "Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt."

This stage is pivotal as children begin to assert their independence and develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of autonomy. Encouragement and support from caregivers during this stage are crucial, as they help foster confidence and self-sufficiency in young children. Conversely, if caregivers are overly controlling, children may develop feelings of shame and doubt about their abilities. Thus, the understanding of autonomy as being Erikson's second stage underscores its importance in establishing a foundation for healthy psychological development.