Which statement best describes how trust is developed in Erikson's theory?

Which statement best describes how trust is developed in Erikson's theory?

• A. Trust is developed over time by providing an infant with a consistent, comforting environment
• B. Trust is earned only through parental praise
• C. Trust develops when a child is allowed to control every aspect of care
• D. Trust is unrelated to meeting needs

Answer: (A)

In Erikson's trust versus mistrust stage, trust develops when an infant's basic needs are met consistently and sensitively. When a caregiver responds promptly and predictably with food, comfort, and soothing, the infant learns that the world is reliable and that people can be depended on to meet needs. This steady, comforting environment over time builds a sense of safety and trust that becomes the foundation for future relationships. Parental praise isn’t the mechanism that creates trust in this stage; trust grows from reliable caregiving and meeting needs, not from praise. Letting the child control every aspect of care is inappropriate for infancy because the infant cannot manage care themselves, and there needs to be dependable guidance and response. Lastly, trust being unrelated to meeting needs contradicts the core idea that consistent, responsive care is what fosters trust.

In Erikson's trust versus mistrust stage, trust develops when an infant's basic needs are met consistently and sensitively. When a caregiver responds promptly and predictably with food, comfort, and soothing, the infant learns that the world is reliable and that people can be depended on to meet needs. This steady, comforting environment over time builds a sense of safety and trust that becomes the foundation for future relationships.

Parental praise isn’t the mechanism that creates trust in this stage; trust grows from reliable caregiving and meeting needs, not from praise. Letting the child control every aspect of care is inappropriate for infancy because the infant cannot manage care themselves, and there needs to be dependable guidance and response. Lastly, trust being unrelated to meeting needs contradicts the core idea that consistent, responsive care is what fosters trust.