Final answer:
The statement "I'm afraid to allow anyone to really get to know me" points to unresolved issues with the trust versus mistrust stage of infancy in Erikson's psychosocial development theory, which may hinder intimacy and trust in relationships during early adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient statement that would lead the nurse to suspect unsuccessful completion of the developmental task of infancy is "I'm afraid to allow anyone to really get to know me." This suggests an issue with the foundational trust versus mistrust stage according to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. During infancy, responsive caregiving is crucial for developing a sense of trust; having a consistent caregiver meets the infant's needs, thereby viewing the world as safe and predictable. On the contrary, unresponsive caregiving could lead to feelings of anxiety and mistrust, making the world seem unpredictable. Hence, an adult expressing fear of intimacy or being known deeply may indicate unresolved issues from that initial developmental stage.
Lack of trust in infancy could lead to difficulty in forming intimate relationships in early adulthood, characterized by feelings of loneliness and emotional isolation. Individuals who have not developed a positive self-concept in adolescence may struggle with this issue.