What is the first of Erikson's stages, which occurs from birth to 18 months?

The stage that occurs from birth to 18 months in Erikson's psychosocial development theory is Trust vs. Mistrust. This foundational stage emphasizes the importance of an infant's early experiences with caregivers. During this period, the infant learns whether or not they can trust the world around them based on the responsiveness, consistency, and quality of care provided by the caregivers.

If caregivers are nurturing, reliable, and meet the infant's needs, the child develops a sense of trust, believing that the world is a safe place. This trust forms the basis for future relationships and interactions. Conversely, inadequate care can lead to feelings of mistrust, making the child feel insecure about the reliability of their environment and caregivers.

The other stages mentioned relate to different developmental tasks that occur later in life. Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt focuses on toddlers (around 1 to 3 years), Initiative vs. Guilt pertains to preschoolers (approximately 3 to 6 years), and Industry vs. Inferiority applies to school-aged children (around 6 to 12 years). Each of these stages builds upon the foundation established during the Trust vs. Mistrust stage, highlighting its critical role in human development.