Children in an Unpredictable World: Expanding the Foundations of Psychological Safety

Erik Erikson and Abraham Maslow, two of the most influential voices in developmental psychology, emphasized the importance of safety and security as fundamental to human growth. Yet in today’s increasingly unpredictable world, the definitions of safety they outlined decades ago need to be revisited and expanded.

The traditional frameworks of Erikson’s psychosocial stages and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provided us with a clear understanding of how trust, security, and self-actualization develop. However, in the face of global crises—climate change, social/political instability, and technological disruption—these foundational theories require a new layer: environmental safety.

Revisiting Erikson: A New Dimension to Trust and Autonomy

Erikson’s first stage of psychosocial development, trust vs. mistrust, highlights the importance of a secure environment in early life. Infants develop trust when they experience consistent care and predictability. This sense of trust becomes the foundation for exploring autonomy and initiative in later stages.

In today’s world, trust in caregivers and immediate surroundings is no longer enough. Children are increasingly exposed to broader environmental uncertainties through media, social conversations, and personal experiences. If the environment itself—be it physical, social, or political—feels unstable or unsafe, it undermines the foundational trust Erikson described.

To address this, we must consider how to build a sense of trust not only in relationships but also in the broader systems that shape children’s lives. For example:

Environmental trust: Ensuring children feel secure about the stability of their physical world, including climate and ecosystems.
Institutional trust: Restoring faith in schools, governments, and community organizations as reliable and supportive systems.

This expanded understanding of trust creates a platform for autonomy and initiative, even in the face of larger global challenges.

Reimagining Maslow: Environmental Safety as a Foundational Need

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs places safety just above physiological needs like food and water. This includes physical safety, financial stability, and health security. While this framework remains relevant, the scope of safety must now extend to the broader environment in which children live and grow.

Environmental Safety as a Core Need: The current global climate—both literal and figurative—requires us to integrate environmental safety into the base of Maslow’s pyramid. Children need to feel that their planet is stable, that the air they breathe is clean, and that their future is not threatened by ecological collapse. For this, education about climate change must go hand-in-hand with initiatives to empower children to take action, giving them a sense of agency over environmental issues.

Social and Digital Safety: The world’s interconnectedness brings both opportunities and risks. Children today navigate an unprecedented digital landscape that can amplify insecurity, from online harassment to misinformation. Maslow’s concept of safety must expand to include protecting children in digital spaces and teaching them how to navigate these environments responsibly.

Collective Safety and Belonging: Maslow’s layer of love and belonging traditionally focuses on family, friends, and community. But in a fragmented world, belonging must also encompass collective security—helping children feel that they are part of a global community working toward shared goals of peace, equity, and sustainability.

Building This New Layer in Practice

To address these expanded needs, we must rethink how we create environments that foster environmental safety:

Education and Awareness: Schools should teach children not just about personal safety but also about environmental and systemic challenges. Integrating climate science, media literacy, and social justice education into curricula can help children understand the world and feel empowered to contribute to solutions.

Community Resilience Programs: Building strong, inclusive communities that prioritize sustainability and equity can help children feel that they are part of something larger and more stable. Community gardens, renewable energy initiatives, and service projects can foster both belonging and hope.

Safe Digital Spaces: As the digital world increasingly becomes a part of children’s lives, creating secure online environments and teaching digital literacy are critical for ensuring psychological safety in this sphere.

The Promise of an Expanded Framework

Erikson and Maslow’s theories remain as vital as ever, but our understanding of safety must evolve to address the complexities of today’s world. By adding this new layer of environmental safety, we can help children build the trust and security they need to thrive—not just within their immediate surroundings but as part of a global and interconnected world.

By Marissa Muoio, Ed. D.

Marissa serves as Head of Upper School and Director of the National Center for Girls Leadership at Stuart Country Day of the Sacred Heart. Passionate about empowering young women through education and leadership, she champions schools and initiatives that inspire and support the next generation of female leaders. With a strong background in strategic planning and community engagement, Marissa is dedicated to creating impactful programs that drive positive change.