
Oral-Sensory Stage
During the first stage, the oral-sensory stage,
the basic crisis centers on the development of either
trust or mistrust. An infant is almost completely
dependent on others for the fulfillment of his needs.
If these needs are consistently satisfied and if he
receives love and stimulation with those he comes in
contact with those he comes in contact with, he will
develop a sense of trust, not only in others but in
himself and in his ability to handle his needs.
If, on
the other hand, his needs are not satisfied regularly
and he receives little love, attention and stimulation,
he will develop a sense of mistrust. If the mistrust
is severs, the child may become timid and withdrawn
since he has given up hope of ever achieving his goals.
Erikson believes that the development of a healthy
personality is contingent upon the formation of a basic
trust -- the individual's belief that his existence is
meaningful.
Basic trust vs basic mistrust
Oral sensory
Birth to one year
