- Depends on consistency and sameness of experience provided by caretakeer
- Second six-months teething and biting moves infant "from getting to taking"
- Weaning leads to "nostalgia for lost paradise"
- If basic trust is strong, child maintains hopeful attitude
During the first stage, the oral-sensory stage, the basic crisis centers on the
development of either trust or mistrust. An infant is almost completely
dependent on others for the fulfillment of his needs. If these needs are
consistently satisfied and if he receives love and stimulation with those he comes
in contact with those he comes in contact with, he will develop a sense of trust,
not only in others but in himself and in his ability to handle his needs.
If, on the other hand, his needs are not satisfied regularly and he receives little
love, attention and stimulation, he will develop a sense of mistrust. If the
mistrust is severs, the child may become timid and withdrawn since he has given
up hope of ever achieving his goals. Erikson believed that the development of a
healthy personality is contingent upon the formation of a basic trust -- the
individual's belief that his existence is meaningful.
- Dr. Erik Erikson