ASWB Clinical Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Social Work Boards!

The separation-individuation phase, conceptualized primarily by psychoanalyst Margaret Mahler, is a significant aspect of child development that occurs during the toddler years, roughly between 6 months and 3 years of age. During this phase, children start to differentiate themselves from their primary caregivers, which is pivotal in establishing a sense of autonomy.

As children navigate this phase, they begin to assert their independence, exploring their surroundings and testing boundaries. They gradually recognize that they are distinct individuals separate from their mothers or primary attachment figures. This development of autonomy is crucial as it lays the groundwork for confidence, self-identity, and the ability to navigate relationships outside the family unit.

The formation of primary attachment, while essential in early childhood, is typically established before the separation-individuation phase and is more about the emotional bond between the child and caregiver. The development of language skills is also important during this time, but it’s not the central focus of separation-individuation, which is primarily about the individual’s growing independence. Similarly, the integration of sensory experiences is part of overall cognitive and perceptual growth, but it does not encapsulate the essence of this particular developmental phase. Thus, the establishment of autonomy stands out as the key aspect highlighted during