Which Erikson stage involves babies learning whether or not they can trust the world to provide for their needs?

Which Erikson stage involves babies learning whether or not they can trust the world to provide for their needs?

• A. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
• B. Trust vs Mistrust
• C. Initiative vs Guilt
• D. Industry vs Inferiority

Answer: (B)

In Erikson's theory, the first stage focuses on trust formed from how caregivers meet an infant's needs. When a baby’s cries and demands are answered consistently with warmth and care, the infant develops a sense that the world is reliable and that others can be trusted to provide for them. If responses are inconsistent or neglectful, the baby may learn to doubt that the world will meet their needs, leading to mistrust. This early foundation affects how secure the child feels exploring the world and forming relationships later on. The other stages come later: autonomy vs shame and doubt is about gaining independence in toddlerhood, initiative vs guilt about taking on new plans in early childhood, and industry vs inferiority about building competence in school-age years. So the idea of learning to trust the world to meet basic needs aligns with the infancy stage focused on caregiver responsiveness.

In Erikson's theory, the first stage focuses on trust formed from how caregivers meet an infant's needs. When a baby’s cries and demands are answered consistently with warmth and care, the infant develops a sense that the world is reliable and that others can be trusted to provide for them. If responses are inconsistent or neglectful, the baby may learn to doubt that the world will meet their needs, leading to mistrust. This early foundation affects how secure the child feels exploring the world and forming relationships later on. The other stages come later: autonomy vs shame and doubt is about gaining independence in toddlerhood, initiative vs guilt about taking on new plans in early childhood, and industry vs inferiority about building competence in school-age years. So the idea of learning to trust the world to meet basic needs aligns with the infancy stage focused on caregiver responsiveness.