What is a characteristic of the "Trust vs. Mistrust" stage?

In the "Trust vs. Mistrust" stage, which is the first of Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development, the primary task of infants is to develop a sense of trust when their caregivers provide reliable care and affection. When caregivers are consistent in meeting the needs of the child—such as feeding, comfort, and emotional support—the infant learns to trust that their world is a safe place where they can depend on others. This foundational trust sets the groundwork for healthy emotional and social development as the child grows. If this trust is not established, the infant may develop feelings of suspicion and fear towards the world and the people around them. This stage is crucial in forming a secure base for subsequent stages of development.

The other options describe developmental tasks appropriate to different age groups. Exploring the environment is more relevant to toddlers and preschoolers in later stages. The formation of identity is a key task during adolescence, while adult relationships are generally developed in the young adulthood stage. Thus, the focus of the "Trust vs. Mistrust" stage is specifically anchored in the infant's reliance on caregivers.