"Trust vs. Mistrust" is the first stage of Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory, occurring from birth to about 18 months. During this stage, infants learn to trust their caregivers to meet their basic needs, such as food, comfort, and safety. A consistent and nurturing environment fosters a sense of security, leading to trust in the world around them. Conversely, if caregivers are neglectful or inconsistent, infants may develop mistrust. This can result in anxiety and fear, affecting their ability to form relationships later in life. Successfully navigating this stage lays the foundation for healthy emotional development and future interactions.