Which theorist is best known for focusing on the establishment of trust in child development?

The theorist best known for focusing on the establishment of trust in child development is Erikson. He developed a psychosocial theory of development that outlines eight stages, with each stage presenting a crisis or challenge that contributes to a person's personality and social skills. The first stage, known as "Trust vs. Mistrust," occurs in infancy, from birth to about 18 months, and emphasizes the importance of caregivers' reliability, care, and affection in building a strong foundation of trust. When infants consistently receive love and nurturing, they develop a sense of security and trust in the world around them. Conversely, inconsistent care can lead to feelings of mistrust and insecurity.

In contrast, other theorists in the choices focus on different aspects of development. Piaget is primarily known for his work on cognitive development, Vygotsky is recognized for his emphasis on social interaction and cultural influences on learning, and Freud's theory centers around psychosexual development. While all these theorists contribute significantly to understanding child development, Erikson's explicit focus on trust during the early stages of life makes him the most relevant choice in this context.