Which of the following would Erik Erikson most likely recommend to soothe a crying infant?
A) Do not soothe the baby because he or she will be spoiled.
B) Pick up the baby and soothe him or her so that a healthy sense of trust develops.
C) Allow the infant to cry because this will encourage the development of a self-sufficient child.
D) Soothe the baby every other time, so that he or she does not become dependent on external comforters.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Erik Erikson believed that in the first stage of development (trust vs. mistrust), a sense of trust develops when infants' basic needs are consistently met. By picking up and soothing a crying infant, caregivers can establish a bond of trust with the child. Option A is incorrect because infants cannot be spoiled and need to have their needs met to develop trust. Option C is incorrect because neglecting an infant's needs can lead to feelings of mistrust and insecurity. Option D is incorrect because consistent responsiveness is necessary for developing trust.

Which of the Following Would Erik Erikson Most Likely Recommend