Negativity/Independence (cognitive rebellion) corresponds to which stage?

• A. Stage 1
• B. Stage 4
• C. Stage 2
• D. Stage 3

Answer: (C)

This item is about the toddler stage in Erikson’s psychosocial development, where the focus is Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt. During this phase, children strive to do things themselves and assert control, which shows up as negativity or independence. They test limits and often respond with “no” as they practice decision-making and self-help skills. Describing this tendency as cognitive rebellion captures how their thinking is growing with a desire for more autonomy, even if they still lack the full ability to manage tasks safely.

Understanding this helps you as a nurse recognize that such behaviors are normal and healthy signs of development. You can support autonomy by offering simple, developmentally appropriate choices, allowing the child to perform safe self-care tasks, and guiding rather than taking over. This supports self-esteem and independence while keeping safety in mind.

The other stages described involve different ages and developmental concerns. Trust versus mistrust relates to infancy and foundational security, while initiative versus guilt and industry versus inferiority appear later and focus on planning, leadership, and mastery in preschool and school-age years.