In Erikson's theory, what is the first of the eight conflicts faced in life?

In Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the first conflict that individuals encounter is "Trust vs. Mistrust." This stage occurs during infancy, roughly from birth to approximately 18 months. During this critical period, infants rely heavily on their caregivers for sustenance, comfort, and security. If caregivers provide reliable care and affection, the infant learns to trust and feel secure in the world around them. This foundational sense of trust establishes the groundwork for future relationships and conflicts in later stages of development.

When this trust is established, a strong bond develops between the infant and the caregiver, leading to the child's belief that the environment and the people in it are supportive and nurturing. On the other hand, if an infant experiences inconsistent or inadequate caregiving, they may develop a sense of mistrust, feeling insecure about their environment and relationships. This early emotional experience can profoundly affect all future psychosocial developments, including forming relationships and responding to challenges in later stages of life.

Understanding this stage helps emphasize the importance of early interactions in shaping overall psychological well-being.