Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

The first stage in Erikson's Psychosocial Development is indeed Basic Trust v. Mistrust. This stage typically occurs from birth to around 18 months of age and is crucial for the foundation of an individual's psychological development. During this period, infants learn to trust their caregivers to provide the necessary support, care, and affection. If caregivers are consistent and nurturing, the child develops a sense of trust and security. Conversely, inconsistent or neglectful care can lead to feelings of mistrust, affecting the individual’s ability to form healthy relationships later in life.

This initial stage sets the tone for subsequent stages of development and is pivotal in fostering a sense of safety and security that influences a person's ability to cope with future challenges. The other stages mentioned—Intimacy v. Isolation, Generativity v. Stagnation, and Identity v. Role Confusion—occur later in life and build upon the foundational trust established in the first stage. Thus, it is essential to recognize that the successful resolution of the Basic Trust v. Mistrust stage is fundamental to the entire psychosocial development process outlined by Erikson.