Two and a half-year-old Emma asks her mother if she can wear her pink princess outfit and eat licorice for lunch, but her mother refuses, insisting that Emma wear and eat what her mom considers more appropriate. According to Erikson, Emma is experiencing the crisis of

According to Erikson, Emma is experiencing the crisis of autonomy vs. shame and doubt.

Explanation:

In Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, autonomy vs. shame and doubt is the second stage, taking place between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. When children go through this stage, they try to develop more control when it comes to their physical skills. They also seek a sense of independence. If children successfully go through this stage, feeling supported and motivated, they will turn out to be more secure and confident. However, when controlled and criticized, children turn out to be insecure, doubting their own abilities, feeling overwhelming shame and low self-esteem.