OAE Professional Knowledge Exam: Complete Practice Test

The primary focus of Erickson's stage of Learning Basic Trust vs. Basic Mistrust is centered on the formation of trust in caregivers. This initial stage occurs in infancy, typically from birth to around 18 months, and is crucial for the child's emotional and relational development. During this period, the infant learns to trust that their needs will be met by their caregivers through consistent and reliable care, such as feeding, comfort, and affection. When caregivers respond consistently and predictably, the child develops a sense of safety and security, which lays the foundation for building trust in relationships throughout life.

If the caregivers are neglectful or inconsistent, the child may develop feelings of mistrust and insecurity, leading to difficulties in future relationships and the ability to seek help. The quality of this initial trust significantly influences the child's ability to interact with the world and others in later stages of development, making it a pivotal phase in Erikson's psychosocial stages.