A toddler, age 16 months, falls down a few stairs. He gets up and ...

[dmcintosh]

A toddler, age 16 months, falls down a few stairs. He gets up and scolds the stairs as if they caused him to fall. What is this an example of?
 
  a. Animism
  b. Ritualism
  c. Irreversibility
  d. Delayed cognitive development

Question 2

Parents of an 18-month-old boy tells the nurse that he says no to everything and has rapid mood swings. If he is scolded, he shows anger and then immediately wants to be held. What is the nurse's best interpretation of this behavior?
 
  a. This is normal behavior for his age.
  b. This is unusual behavior for his age.
  c. He is not effectively coping with stress.
  d. He is showing he needs more attention.

[perkiness]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Animism is the attribution of lifelike qualities to inanimate objects. By scolding the stairs, the toddler is attributing human characteristics to them. Ritualism is the need to maintain sameness and reliability. It provides a sense of comfort to toddlers. Irreversibility is the inability to reverse or undo actions initiated physically. The toddler is acting in an age-appropriate manner.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Toddlers use distinct behaviors in the quest for autonomy. They express their will with continued negativity and use of the word no. Children at this age also have rapid mood swings. The nurse should reassure the parents that their child is engaged in expected behavior for an 18-month-old.