What common factor causes tantrums in both adolescents and toddlers aged 2-3 years?

The common factor that causes tantrums in both adolescents and toddlers aged 2-3 years is the desire for autonomy and independence. During these developmental stages, individuals are beginning to explore their sense of self and their ability to make choices. Toddlers are asserting their independence as they learn to express preferences and resist guidance, often leading to frustration and tantrums when their desires are not fulfilled. Similarly, adolescents experience a stronger drive for autonomy as they transition from childhood into adulthood, seeking to establish their identity and make independent decisions. This desire can manifest in confrontations with parental authority and rules, resulting in emotional outbursts or tantrums when their autonomy is challenged.

While other factors like fear of the dark, hunger, and dependency on parents can also play a role in mood and behavior, they do not serve as the primary motivator behind the behavioral expression of tantrums in the same way that the quest for independence does across these age groups. The core emotional and psychological needs driving these actions are fundamentally linked to autonomy, making it the most relevant factor in the context of tantrums for both toddlers and adolescents.