Stage 1

ER1KS0N'S 8 stages of life - his theory states that the needs of the psyche (mind) must be met or imbalance will occur. The basic pycychological needs during the 8 stages are:

• Acceptance and Accomplishment

The first stage is the first year of life and the need is for acceptance.

In early infancy we learn trust or mistrust. We either gain a balance between trust and the risk of being let down, or are suspicious, mustrustful and unable to relate fully to others.

Babies have one way of communicating - they cry - for food (hunger), attention (love / security / bonding) or in pain (relief / comfort).

The important event in the birth to one year old stage is feeding.

According to Erikson, an infant will develop a sense of trust only if the parent or care-giver is responsive and consistent with the basic needs being met. The need for care and food must be met with comforting regularity. The infant must first form a trusting relationship with the parent or caregiver, otherwise a sense of mistrust will develop.

Elements for a positive outcome:

• The infant's need for care, familiarity, comfort and nourishment are met.
• Parental consistency and responsiveness is essential for trust to develop.

Elements for a negative outcome:

• Babies who are not securely attached to their mothers are less cooperative and more aggressive in their interactions with their mothers.
• As they grow older, they become less competent and sympathetic with peers. They also explore their environment with less enthusiasm and persistence.

Examples: Babies will begin to understand that objects and people exist even when they cannot see them. This is where trust becomes important.