Final answer:
The correct statement relating to Erikson's trust-versus-mistrust stage is that the infant's development of trust or mistrust depends on the responsiveness and reliability of their caregivers in meeting their needs. It is the stage that occurs in the first year and a half of an infant's life and is vital for setting the foundation of their future psychosocial development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement regarding Erikson's trust-versus-mistrust stage is that the outcome depends on whether the infant's caretakers meet their needs, which aligns with option b. Incorrectly, option a suggests infants should develop more purposeful behavior which is more characteristic of Erikson's later stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt. Option c does identify the correct timeframe of the first 1.5 years of life, so it is partially correct. Lastly, option d is incorrect as it reflects the autonomy stage for toddlers, not infants.
During the trust-versus-mistrust stage, infants learn to trust that their caregivers will meet their basic needs. If these needs are met consistently, infants develop a sense of trust and security. Conversely, if caregivers are unresponsive or unreliable, infants may develop mistrust and see the world as unpredictable. Erikson emphasized that the outcome of this stage sets the foundation for all subsequent psychosocial development. This stage emphasizes the importance of a nurturing environment in early childhood to develop a healthy personality and a sense of competence later in life.