What is the first stage of Erikson's psychosocial development and its typical age range?

What is the first stage of Erikson's psychosocial development and its typical age range?

• A. Trust vs Mistrust; birth to 18 months
• B. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt; 18 months to 3 years
• C. Initiative vs Guilt; 3 to 6 years
• D. Industry vs Inferiority; 6 to puberty

Answer: (A)

Trust vs mistrust is the first psychosocial stage, focused on infancy. In this stage, the baby depends on caregivers to meet basic needs—food, warmth, safety, and comfort. When caregivers respond consistently and lovingly, the infant learns that the world is reliable and develops a sense of trust, which supports a feeling of hope about the future. If needs are met inconsistently or neglected, the infant may develop mistrust, leading to wariness and insecurity. This stage typically covers birth to about 18 months. The other stages listed occur later: autonomy vs. shame and doubt in the 18 months to 3 years range, initiative vs. guilt around ages 3 to 6, and industry vs. inferiority from about 6 years to puberty.

Trust vs mistrust is the first psychosocial stage, focused on infancy. In this stage, the baby depends on caregivers to meet basic needs—food, warmth, safety, and comfort. When caregivers respond consistently and lovingly, the infant learns that the world is reliable and develops a sense of trust, which supports a feeling of hope about the future. If needs are met inconsistently or neglected, the infant may develop mistrust, leading to wariness and insecurity. This stage typically covers birth to about 18 months. The other stages listed occur later: autonomy vs. shame and doubt in the 18 months to 3 years range, initiative vs. guilt around ages 3 to 6, and industry vs. inferiority from about 6 years to puberty.