Parents satisfy infant's basic needs which will permit children to think of their world as safe and dependable. If care is inadequate, inconsistent, or negative, children will approach the world with fear and suspicion. Psychosocial attitude is that of independence. Toddlers permitted and encouraged to do things at their own pace and in their own way will develop a sense of autonomy. If parents and teachers are impatient and do too many things for young children, feelings of self doubt will develop.
Psychosocial attitude is that of initiative.
Participation in activities and use of language sets the stage for initiative. If parents and teachers take time to answer questions, tendencies toward initiative will be encouraged. If children are made to feel that their activities and questions have no point or are a nuisance, they will feel guilty about acting on their own. Psychosocial attitude is that of producing things. Behavior is dominated by intellectual curiosity and performance.