It begins at birth and lasts until a child is around 18 months to two years old.
Erikson’s psychosocial development theory hasseven other stagesthat span throughout a person’s lifetime.
At each stage, people face conflicts that either result in psychological strengthening or weakening.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
So, the ways that parents interact with their babies have a profound effect on a child’s health.
Erikson believed that early patterns of trust influence a child’s social and emotional development.
If a child successfully develops trust, they will feel safe and secure in the world.
According to his theory, a parent essentially shapes their child’s perception and future relationships.
However, it’s important to remember that trust and mistrust exist on a spectrum.
People aren’t either completely trusting or completely mistrusting.
For example, there will be times when a baby’s needs go unmet.
According to Erikson, this will give them a better sense ofhow to trust themselvesand the world around them.
Learning to trust the world and those around us is the key focus of this psychosocial stage of development.
By responding quickly and appropriately to your infant’s cries, you’re building a foundation of trust.
Research shows that being raised in an untrustworthy environment may actually make a childmoretrusting of untrustworthy people.
Consequences of Over-Trusting
Interestingly, being overly-trusting is linked with the same negative consequences as being under-trusting.
But your childhood experiences don’t have to define you.
It is possible to overcome childhood experiences and learn to trust.
The outcomes of this stage can influence the rest of childhood and adulthood in profound ways.
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