3/15/2014

Trust versus Mistrust - Stage One of Psychosocial Development

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Trust Versus Mistrust

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Stage One of Psychosocial Development

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By Kendra C herry

Psychosocial Conflict: Trust vs Mistrust

Major Question: "Can I trust the people around me?"
Basic Virtue: Hope
Important Event(s): Feeding
The trust versus mistrust stage is the first stage of Erik Eriksons
theory of psychosocial development. This stage occurs between
birth and approximately 18 months of age. According to Erikson, the
trust versus mistrust stage is the most important period in a
persons life.

Trust ve rsus m istrust is the

first stage of psychosocial
de ve lopm e nt
Photo by Photo by Lev
Dolgatshjov - iStockPhoto

Because an infant is entirely dependent upon his or her caregivers, the quality of care that the child receives plays an important role in the shaping of
the childs personality. During this stage, children learn whether or not they can trust the people around them. When a baby cries, does his caregiver
attend to his needs? When he is frightened, will someone comfort him?
When these needs are consistently met, the child will learn that he can trust the people that are caring for him. If, however, these needs are not
consistently met, the child will begin to mistrust the people around him.
If a child successfully develops trust, he or she will feel safe and secure in the world. Caregivers who are inconsistent, emotionally unavailable or
rejecting contribute to feelings of mistrust in the children they care for. Failure to develop trust will result in fear and a belief that the world is
inconsistent and unpredictable.
Next: Stage 2 - Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt
Return to The Psychosocial Stages
R e fe re nce s
Erik son, E.H. (1968). Ide ntity: Youth and C risis. Ne w York : Norton.
Erik son, E.H. (1963). C hildhood and Socie ty. (2nd e d.). Ne w York : Norton.

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