Question

According to Erikson's stages of Psychosocial Development, the "trust versus mistrust phase" is the developmental task of:

• A. Infant
• B. Toddlers
• C. Preschoolers
• D. Adolescents

Hint:

Erikson's stages are sequential and build on each other. The very first challenge a person faces after birth is to determine if the world is a safe, reliable place. This foundational decision is the essence of the Trust vs. Mistrust stage in infancy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the age group associated with the first stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which is characterized by the crisis of "trust versus mistrust."
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Erik Erikson proposed eight stages of psychosocial development, each with a unique developmental task or crisis. The first stage is:

Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust. This stage occurs from birth to approximately 18 months. During this period, the infant is completely dependent on caregivers. The successful resolution of this stage, based on consistent and reliable care, results in the virtue of hope and a fundamental sense of trust in the world. Failure results in a sense of mistrust.
Let's look at the tasks for the other age groups listed:

Toddlers (18 months - 3 years): The task is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.
Preschoolers (3 - 5 years): The task is Initiative vs. Guilt.
Adolescents (12 - 18 years): The task is Identity vs. Role Confusion.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The "trust versus mistrust" phase is the primary developmental task of an infant.