An infant begins to feel secure when cared for consistently, reflecting which of Erikson's psychosocial tasks?

The development of a sense of security in an infant through consistent caregiving is a clear illustration of Erik Erikson's stage of "Trust versus mistrust." During this foundational stage, which occurs from birth to about 18 months, infants learn to trust their caregivers and their environment. When caregivers provide reliable and nurturing support, infants develop a sense of security and trust that their needs will be met. This trust serves as a crucial building block for future relationships and emotional development.

If care is inconsistent or neglected, the infant may develop mistrust towards the world and the people in it, potentially impacting their ability to form healthy relationships later in life. Trust versus mistrust is essential because it sets the stage for all subsequent stages in Erikson's psychosocial development theory. Understanding this stage helps illustrate the importance of a stable, nurturing environment for healthy emotional growth during infancy.