Concept

Stage 1 of Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development

The first stage of psychosocial development, trust versus mistrust, occurs from birth to 12 months. During this period, infants are entirely dependent on their caregivers, and the resolution of this stage's conflict hinges on the quality of care they receive. When caregivers are responsive and sensitive to an infant's needs, the infant develops a sense of trust, viewing the world as a safe and predictable environment. In contrast, unresponsive care can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and mistrust, causing the infant to perceive the world as unpredictable.

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Updated 2025-10-04

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