Final answer:
Infants' early relationships with caregivers help shape the child's self-concept, a critical aspect of future psychosocial development which influences confidence and willingness to try new activities. A healthy self-concept from stable early attachments is foundational for intimacy in adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early relationships infants form with their caregivers do indeed lay the groundwork for future interactions with others, and they are also considered pivotal for the child's development of self-concept. Self-concept refers to an individual's understanding of who they are, which starts forming during the toddler years, as children establish autonomy and recognize their own abilities. The stability of attachment and quality of these early relationships greatly influence the growth of a positive self-concept, which in turn impacts confidence, independence, and the willingness to engage in new activities.
According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, trust established in infancy sets the stage for a healthy self-concept, while interactions during toddlerhood and beyond help the child to compare themselves to others and solidify their self-image. These foundational experiences are essential, as a well-formed self-concept in adolescence is crucial for developing intimate relationships in early adulthood.