At what age range does Erikson's second stage of life occur?

Erikson's second stage of psychosocial development is known as "Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt," which typically occurs between the ages of 1 to 3 years. During this stage, children begin to assert their independence by exploring their environment and developing a sense of personal agency. They learn to perform tasks on their own, such as potty training and making simple choices, which fosters autonomy.

The importance of this stage lies in the balance between encouraging autonomy while also providing appropriate limits. If children experience undue pressure or criticism, they may develop feelings of shame and doubt about their abilities. Thus, the age range of 2 to 3 years accurately reflects the critical development that occurs during this period according to Erikson's theory.