Question

Bonnie is 3 months old and her parents attend only inconsistently to her needs. Sometimes, they are very attentive, feeding her promptly when she cries and comforting her when she seems upset. Other times, Bonnie cries for a long time before her parents attend to her.

Based on Erikson's theory, it is likely that Bonnie will develop:

a) feelings of isolation.
b) a sense of inferiority.
c) a sense of despair.
d) a general sense of mistrust.

Answer 1

Answer: a general sense of mistrust

Explanation: Erikson's theory on stages of psychosocial development identifies a series of eight stages that a healthy developing individual should pass through from infancy to late adulthood.

The first stage illustrates Hope: trust vs. mistrust and it occurs in children under 2 years. This stage centers around the infant's basic needs being met by the parents and how this interaction leads to trust or mistrust.