If infants are shown genuine affection, which psychosocial outcome is most likely developed?

If infants are shown genuine affection, which psychosocial outcome is most likely developed?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Initiative
• C. Generativity
• D. Trust

Answer: (D)

When infants repeatedly experience genuine affection and reliable care, they develop trust. This corresponds to the first psychosocial stage, where consistent, loving responses teach the baby that the world is safe and that people can be depended upon. That foundational sense of security becomes the basis for exploring later relationships and life's challenges. Autonomy emerges later in toddlerhood as children begin to assert independence. Initiative appears in the preschool years as they initiate activities and plan steps. Generativity shows up in adulthood when people contribute to others and the next generation. But in infancy, the key outcome of receiving affectionate, reliable care is trust.

When infants repeatedly experience genuine affection and reliable care, they develop trust. This corresponds to the first psychosocial stage, where consistent, loving responses teach the baby that the world is safe and that people can be depended upon. That foundational sense of security becomes the basis for exploring later relationships and life's challenges.

Autonomy emerges later in toddlerhood as children begin to assert independence. Initiative appears in the preschool years as they initiate activities and plan steps. Generativity shows up in adulthood when people contribute to others and the next generation. But in infancy, the key outcome of receiving affectionate, reliable care is trust.