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attribute in the crisis), he or she emerges from the stage
with, for example, more trust than mistrust. If this occurs,
he or she carries the virtue of the ability to approach
relationships and life in a trusting manner into the
remaining life stages.

Erikson's Stages:
Birth - 18 months: Trust vs. Mistrust
18 months - 3 Autonomy vs. Shame
years: and Doubt
3- 5 years: Initiative vs. Guilt
6 through teens: Industry vs. Inferiority
Teens - 20's: Identity vs. Role
Confusion
20's- 40's: Intimacy vs. Isolation
40's - 60's: Generativity vs.
Stagnation
60's - beyond Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Children from 1.5 - 4 years of age will span three
stages in this model: Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs.
Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt.

Trust vs. Mistrust (18 months- 3 years)
This stage is referred to as the oral-sensory stage occurring
from infancy until 2 years of age. The question for the infant
is "Can I trust the World?" This first stage of Erikson's theory
is centered around the infant's basic needs which are met
by caregivers. The child depends on his/her caregiver(s) for
sustenance and comfort and that he/she will be attended
to consistently and sensitively. This forms the basis for
trusting relationships. During this stage the child's
understanding of the world and society are formed. If
caregivers fail to provide a secure environment re: meeting
the child's basic needs; a sense of mistrust will result. If the
child moves from this stage in mistrust, he it will be at risk