Final answer:
Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development is 'trust versus mistrust,' where responsive caregiving leads to trust, and unresponsive caregiving can result in mistrust in an infant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines that the first stage of development is the trust versus mistrust stage, which occurs from birth to approximately 12 months of age. During this stage, the infant's primary interaction with the world is through the caregivers.
Thus, the key conflict involves the infant's basic needs being met by the caregivers. If caregivers are responsive and sensitive, the infant develops a sense of trust and sees the world as a safe and predictable place. Conversely, if caregivers are unresponsive, the infant may develop mistrust, perceiving the world as unpredictable and instilling feelings of anxiety and fear.