Erikson's first psychosocial stage occurs during which life period?

• A. Toddlerhood
• B. Infancy
• C. Preschool
• D. School-Age

Answer: (B)

In Erikson's framework, the first psychosocial stage is Trust vs Mistrust, and it unfolds during infancy. This is the period when a baby depends on caregivers to meet basic needs like food, warmth, safety, and affection. When these needs are consistently met, the infant develops a sense of trust that the world is reliable and people can be depended upon. If caregiving is inconsistent or neglectful, the infant may learn to mistrust others and feel insecurity about the surrounding world. This early sense of trust lays the groundwork for how they approach later relationships and challenges. The other life periods listed—toddlerhood, preschool, and school-age—correspond to later stages (autonomy, initiative, and industry), not the first stage.