Trust vs. Mistrust

Definition

Trust vs. Mistrust is a key concept in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which describes the stages an individual goes through throughout their lifespan. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of Erikson's first stage of development, Infancy (0-2 years), as well as the Neo-Freudian perspectives on personality development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Trust vs. Mistrust is the first of Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development, occurring during the Infancy (0-2 years) stage.
2. During this stage, the child develops a sense of trust or mistrust in their primary caregiver and the world around them, which lays the foundation for their future social and emotional development.
3. Successful resolution of the Trust vs. Mistrust crisis leads to the development of a basic sense of trust, security, and optimism, while an unresolved crisis can result in a sense of mistrust, anxiety, and a negative outlook on life.
4. The Neo-Freudians, such as Adler, Erikson, Jung, and Horney, emphasized the importance of social and cultural factors in personality development, in contrast to Freud's focus on intrapsychic factors.
5. Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, including the Trust vs. Mistrust stage, has been influential in the field of developmental psychology and continues to be widely studied and applied.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of the Trust vs. Mistrust stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development.
  • The Trust vs. Mistrust stage is the first of Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development and is crucial in laying the foundation for an individual's future social and emotional well-being. During this stage, which occurs during infancy (0-2 years), the child develops a sense of trust or mistrust in their primary caregiver and the world around them. A successful resolution of this crisis, where the child develops a basic sense of trust, security, and optimism, lays the groundwork for the child's ability to form healthy relationships and approach life with a positive outlook. Conversely, an unresolved crisis can result in a sense of mistrust, anxiety, and a negative outlook on life, which can have lasting consequences on the individual's personality and social development.
• Describe how the Neo-Freudian perspectives, such as those of Adler, Erikson, Jung, and Horney, differ from Freud's theory of personality development.
  • The Neo-Freudians, including Adler, Erikson, Jung, and Horney, emphasized the importance of social and cultural factors in personality development, in contrast to Freud's focus on intrapsychic factors. While Freud believed that personality was primarily shaped by unconscious, instinctual drives, the Neo-Freudians argued that an individual's personality is also significantly influenced by their social environment, relationships, and cultural context. Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which includes the Trust vs. Mistrust stage, is a prime example of this shift in perspective, as it highlights the role of social interactions and the successful resolution of psychosocial crises in shaping an individual's personality and overall development.
• Analyze how the successful resolution of the Trust vs. Mistrust stage can impact an individual's future social and emotional well-being.
  • The successful resolution of the Trust vs. Mistrust stage, where the child develops a basic sense of trust, security, and optimism, lays a crucial foundation for their future social and emotional development. When a child is able to trust their primary caregiver and the world around them, they are more likely to approach life with a positive outlook, form healthy relationships, and have the confidence to explore and engage with their environment. This sense of trust and security serves as a protective factor, allowing the child to develop a strong sense of self, the ability to regulate their emotions, and the social skills necessary for successful interpersonal interactions. Conversely, an unresolved crisis in this stage can lead to a pervasive sense of mistrust, anxiety, and a negative view of the world, which can significantly impair the individual's ability to form meaningful connections and navigate the social landscape throughout their lifespan.

Related terms

Psychosocial Development:

The theory that an individual's personality and social skills develop in a series of predetermined stages, influenced by both biological and environmental factors.

Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development: The eight stages of psychological and social development proposed by Erik Erikson, each with a corresponding psychosocial crisis that must be resolved.

Infancy (0-2 years): The first stage of Erikson's psychosocial development, where the child develops a sense of trust or mistrust in their caregiver and the world around them.