Which stage is about forming trusting relationships with caregivers in early childhood?

• A. Industry vs Inferiority
• B. Identity vs Role Confusion
• C. Trust vs Mistrust
• D. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt

Answer: (C)

Trust vs Mistrust is the stage where infants form expectations about whether caregivers will meet their needs consistently. When a caregiver responds reliably with feeding, comfort, and affection, the baby learns that the world is a safe and predictable place and can begin to trust others. This early sense of trust becomes the foundation for healthy relationships later on and supports a hopeful outlook. If needs aren’t met consistently, the infant may develop mistrust, feeling that the world is unpredictable or unsafe, which can affect how they relate to others moving forward. The other stages involve later tasks—developing autonomy, mastering skills, or forging an identity—and aren’t primarily about establishing that initial, fundamental bond with caregivers.