In Erikson's psychosocial theory, what is the first stage called?

In Erikson's psychosocial theory, what is the first stage called?

• A. Trust
• B. Autonomy
• C. Initiative
• D. Industry

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how an infant develops a sense of trust based on caregiver responsiveness. In Erikson's theory, the earliest stage, occurring in the first year of life, focuses on whether basic needs are met reliably. When caregivers are consistently warm, attentive, and dependable, the infant learns that the world is a safe place and develops trust. If care is inconsistent or neglectful, mistrust can form, making the child cautious about the world. Thus, the best label for this stage is Trust, reflecting that foundational sense built through reliable early care. The other terms listed refer to later stages—Autonomy comes with independence in toddlerhood, Initiative with exploring and planning in the preschool years, and Industry with mastering skills in the school-age years.

The main idea here is how an infant develops a sense of trust based on caregiver responsiveness. In Erikson's theory, the earliest stage, occurring in the first year of life, focuses on whether basic needs are met reliably. When caregivers are consistently warm, attentive, and dependable, the infant learns that the world is a safe place and develops trust. If care is inconsistent or neglectful, mistrust can form, making the child cautious about the world.

Thus, the best label for this stage is Trust, reflecting that foundational sense built through reliable early care. The other terms listed refer to later stages—Autonomy comes with independence in toddlerhood, Initiative with exploring and planning in the preschool years, and Industry with mastering skills in the school-age years.