What stage of development is characterized by the need for basic needs to be met?

Infancy is the stage of development characterized by the need for basic needs to be met, which includes physiological requirements such as food, sleep, and safety. During this phase, infants rely entirely on their caregivers for survival and comfort, as they are unable to meet these needs themselves. This reliance is crucial for their overall development and well-being.

In infancy, the fulfillment of these basic needs creates a foundation for emotional and psychological development, establishing trust and security in the infant’s relationships. If these needs are consistently met, it supports healthy growth and development, leading to positive outcomes in later stages of life.

In contrast, the other stages, such as toddlerhood, preschool, and adolescence, involve different developmental tasks and needs. While toddlers and preschoolers still require care and support, their developmental focus shifts toward autonomy, social interactions, and learning new skills. Adolescents are engaged in identity formation and independence, which further shifts away from the basic survival needs characteristic of infancy.