Trust vs. Mistrust is the Eriksonian stage associated with which age range?

Trust vs. Mistrust is the Eriksonian stage associated with which age range?

• A. 0-1 years
• B. 2-3 years
• C. 4-5 years
• D. 6-12 years

Answer: (A)

In Erikson's theory, trust vs. mistrust is the first psychosocial stage, developing in infancy. During this time the infant depends completely on caregivers to meet basic needs like food, comfort, safety, and warmth. When caregivers respond consistently and sensitively, the infant learns that the world is reliable and people can be trusted. If care is inconsistent or neglectful, the infant may doubt the reliability of others and develop mistrust. This stage is typically mapped to the 0-1 year range (often extending into the second year in some models), which is why the correct age range is 0-1 years. The later ages correspond to subsequent stages—autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt, and industry vs. inferiority—where different developmental tasks emerge.

In Erikson's theory, trust vs. mistrust is the first psychosocial stage, developing in infancy. During this time the infant depends completely on caregivers to meet basic needs like food, comfort, safety, and warmth. When caregivers respond consistently and sensitively, the infant learns that the world is reliable and people can be trusted. If care is inconsistent or neglectful, the infant may doubt the reliability of others and develop mistrust. This stage is typically mapped to the 0-1 year range (often extending into the second year in some models), which is why the correct age range is 0-1 years. The later ages correspond to subsequent stages—autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt, and industry vs. inferiority—where different developmental tasks emerge.