Which psychosocial stage covers birth to about 18 months and centers on developing trust when the infant's needs are consistently met?

• A. Basic Trust vs. Basic Mistrust
• B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
• C. Initiative vs. Guilt
• D. Industry vs. Inferiority

Answer: (A)

During birth to about 18 months, the main task is developing basic trust. When caregivers consistently meet an infant’s needs for food, comfort, safety, and affection, the child learns that people and the world are reliable. This creates a foundation of basic trust, a sense that one can rely on others. If care is inconsistent or neglectful, the infant may develop basic mistrust, feeling that the world is unpredictable and people cannot be depended on.

As children grow, other stages take over: autonomy versus shame and doubt appears as toddlers begin to do things for themselves; initiative versus guilt emerges in early childhood when they start to plan and undertake activities; and industry versus inferiority arises in school-age years as they learn skills and compare themselves with peers. The trust-versus-mistrust foundation set in infancy is what underpins later relationships and exploration.