During which stage do inconsistencies in meeting basic needs lead to mistrust and anxiety in infants?

The Trust vs. Mistrust stage is the first conflict in Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, which occurs from birth to approximately 18 months. During this critical period, infants rely heavily on their caregivers for their basic needs, such as food, comfort, and emotional support. When needs are consistently met, infants develop a sense of trust toward their caregivers and the world around them. Conversely, if their needs are irregularly met or not met at all, it can lead to feelings of mistrust and anxiety.

This stage is foundational, as it sets the tone for subsequent stages of development. If an infant experiences inconsistency or neglect during this period, they may grow up with a fundamental sense of insecurity and doubt, which can impact their ability to form healthy relationships and approach future challenges with confidence. The implications of this stage extend beyond infancy, influencing various aspects of personal development and social interactions throughout life. The other stages mentioned focus on different psychosocial conflicts that arise later in development, making trust and mistrust the primary concern in infancy.