19. Understanding Children Through Erikson’s First Stage of Development

Connection Therapy

In today’s episode, Brenda introduces Erikson’s first stage of development, Trust vs. Mistrust, and explores how to understand a child’s world beyond direct questions. This foundational stage, typically ranging from 0-18 months old, lays the groundwork for their entire emotional and cognitive development, making it essential to tune into behaviors and subtle cues rather than relying on verbal answers alone.

In Erikson’s model, the first stage of development — Trust vs. Mistrust — is all about creating a safe and dependable environment for a child. When children sense that their caregivers and surroundings are trustworthy, they begin to feel secure and more willing to explore, learn, and engage with others.

For caregivers and therapists, understanding Trust vs. Mistrust in children involves careful observation and assessment, focusing on subtle behaviors that reveal the child’s level of comfort, attachment, and sense of security.

Erikson’s model provides a framework for understanding child development that’s rooted in the idea of stages — each of which builds on the previous one. In the case of Trust vs. Mistrust, establishing trust is essential for all future growth.

The model isn’t about specific therapeutic interventions, but rather a guide for observing developmental milestones and assessing whether a child is experiencing the security needed to reach them.

References Mentioned in this Episode:

Lou Cozolino. (2024, 4th ed). The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: Healing the Social Brain (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology).

Anna Freud. (1946). The Psycho-Analytical Treatment of Children. New York, NY: International Univ. Press.

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development referenced in Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought by Mitchell & Black (1995)

Bessel Van der Kolk (2015). The Body Keeps the Score.