At what age do children typically enter the Trust vs. Mistrust stage?

The Trust vs. Mistrust stage is the first psychosocial crisis identified by Erik Erikson, occurring from birth to around 18 months of age. During this stage, infants learn to trust their caregivers to meet their needs for food, comfort, and affection. A strong, nurturing environment creates a sense of security, while inconsistent or neglectful care can lead to feelings of mistrust.

The age range of 0-18 months captures the entire period during which infants are developing their foundational trust in the world around them. This stage is crucial as the experiences during this time shape the child’s perception of their environment and influence their emotional and social development for years to come. By correctly identifying the age range as up to 18 months, it aligns with developmental psychology theories that emphasize the importance of consistent and reliable care in fostering trust.