Erikson's developmental stage of _________ is most basic where the infant learns to trust others for their needs. Often those that have experienced inconsistent care may grow to be suspicious of others in the world.

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

Answer: (B)

Trust vs Mistrust is the first psychosocial stage in Erikson’s model, focusing on the infant’s need to rely on caregivers to meet basic needs. When those needs are consistently met, the infant develops a sense that the world is predictable and people can be trusted. If care is inconsistent or neglectful, the infant may learn to doubt others and feel suspicious about whether needs will be met. This early experience lays the groundwork for how safe and secure a person feels in relationships later on. The other stages—Autonomy vs Shame, Initiative vs Guilt, and Industry vs Inferiority—occur later in childhood and involve growing independence, taking initiative, and mastering skills, not the infant’s basic trust in caregivers.