What is the first conflict in Erikson's theory and the age range?

• A. Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth to 1 year)
• B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1 to 3 years)
• C. Initiative vs. Guilt (4 to 5 years)
• D. Industry vs. Inferiority (6 to 12 years)

Answer: (A)

The first stage focuses on forming a basic sense of trust or mistrust based on how reliably a caregiver meets an infant’s needs. When caregivers respond consistently—feeding, soothing, protecting, and offering warmth—the infant learns that the world is predictable and that people can be trusted. This sets the foundation for hope and security in later relationships. If care is inconsistent or neglectful, mistrust can develop, making the world seem unpredictable and people unreliable.

This stage happens from birth to about one year, making it the earliest phase in Erikson’s sequence. The other options describe later stages that occur as children grow: autonomy and self-control in the toddler years, initiative and guilt in early childhood, and industry and inferiority in the school-age years.