Freud’spsychosexual theoryand Erikson’spsychosocial theoryare two of the most well-knowntheories of development.
Like Freud, Erikson recognized the importance of theunconsciousin development.
He also believed that personality develops in a series of predetermined stages.
However, Freud suggested that many of the critical developmental events in life were restricted to childhood and adolescence.
Freud’s approach has fallen out of favor with many modern psychologists and researchers.
Erikson’s views have also faced criticism, yet his approach remains popular and relevant.
The two developmental theories focus on the importance of early experiences, but there are notable differences.
Problems with this stage can result in what Freud referred to as an oralfixation.
This fixation can show up in many different ways later in an adult’s life.
The care that adults provide determines whether children develop a sense of trust in the world around them.
Erikson framed it as a social-emotional struggle between independence and self-doubt.
Freud suggested that how parents handle this stage is essential.
In other words, being too strict or lenient might contribute to personality traits likeobsessivenessormessiness.
Children who succeed at this stage develop a sense of capability and productivity.
Those who have problems at this stage may develop an anal fixation.
As adults, they might be excessively orderly or messy.
Autonomy versus shame and doubtis the second stage of psychosocial development.During this stage, children become more mobile.
They develop self-sufficiency by controlling activities such as eating, toilet training, and talking.
How parents respondwhether they are critical and controlling vs. supportive and encouragingshapes the outcome of this stage.
Children who are supported in this stage become more confident and independent.
Those who are criticized or overly controlled are left doubting themselves.
Erikson’s theory was more focused on how children interact with parents and peers.
The third stage of psychosexual development is known as the phallic stage.
In this stage, the libido’s energy is focused on the genitals.
Children become aware of their anatomical sex differences which leads boys to experience theOedipus complexwhile girls experience theElectra complex.
By the end of this stage, they begin to identify with their same-sex parent.
They begin to interact with other children and develop their interpersonal skills.
The fourth stage of psychosexual development is known as the latent period.
Similar to Erikson, Freud believed this stage was important for developing social skills andself-confidence.
Adolescence
Adolescence played a critical role in both Freud’s and Erikson’s theories of development.
In both theories, teens begin to forge their own sense of identity.
The fifth stage of psychosexual development is known as the genital stage.
It is the time when adolescents begin to explore romantic relationships.
Those who have successfully completed the earlier stages are now warm, caring, and well-adjusted.
The fifth stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is theidentity versus role confusionstage.
It occurs during adolescence, from about 12 to 18 years.
During this stage, adolescents develop a personal identity and a sense of self.
Teens explore different roles, attitudes, and identities as they develop a sense of self.
Those who struggle will remain confused about who they are and their place in society.
Freud’s theory implied that personality is largely set in stone by early childhood.
According to Freud, the genital stage lasts throughout adulthood.
The goal is to develop a balance between all areas of life.
Erikson took a lifespan approach, believing that development continues even in old age.
Both stressed the importance of social experiences and recognized the role that childhood plays in shapingadult personality.
American Psychological Association.Oral stage.
2016;52(3):496-508. doi:10.1037/a0039875
American Psychological Association.Anal stage.
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Karlsson G.Phallic stage.
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2016;52(3):496508. doi:10.1037/a0039875
