Psychological Development during Infancy

c17159f85415c0dd9b1e3963e804584f

Trust VS Mistrust by Erik Erikson

Developing a Sense of Trust:

The provision of food, warmth, and shelter by itself is inadequate for the development of a strong sense of self. If parents always meet their children’s needs before the children signal their readiness, infants will never learn to test their ability to control the environment. If the delay is prolonged, infants will experience constant frustration and eventually mistrust others in their efforts to satisfy them. Therefore consistency of care is essential.

The trust acquired in infancy provides the foundation for all the succeeding phases. Trust allows infants a feeling of physical comfort and security, which assists them in experiencing unfamiliar, unknown situations with a minimum sense of fear. During 3 to 4 months, food intake is the most important social activity in which the infant engages. The newborn can tolerate little frustration or delay of gratification. Primary narcissism (total concern of oneself) is at its height.

Tactile stimulation is extremely important in the total process of acquiring trust.

image taken from: http://cosfrog.deviantart.com/art/Lil-Critter-125740250

About the Author