Like Freud, Erikson recognized the importance of the unconscious on development. He also believed that personality develops in a series of predetermined stages. Unlike Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages, Erikson’s theory describes the impact of social experience across the whole lifespan. Let’s compare and contrast these two theories by looking at some of the key similarities and differences at each stage.
Freud’s Theory
The first stage of psychosexual development is known as the oral stage. At this point in development, a child’s primary source of pleasure is through the mouth via sucking, eating, and tasting. Problems with this stage can result in what Freud referred to as an oral fixation.
Erikson’s Theory
Trust vs. mistrust is the first stage in Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. During this stage, children learn to either trust or mistrust their caregivers. The care that adults provide determines whether children develop a sense of trust in the world around them. Children who do not receive adequate and dependable care may develop a sense of mistrust of others and the world.
Freud’s Theory
The second stage of psychosexual development is known as the anal stage. In this stage, children gain a sense of mastery and competence by controlling bladder and bowel movements.
Erikson’s Theory
Autonomy versus shame and doubt is 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.
Freud’s Theory
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 the Oedipus complex while girls experience the Electra complex. By the end of this stage, they begin to identify with their same-sex parent.
Erikson’s Theory
Erikson’s third stage of psychosocial development is the initiative versus guilt stage. In this stage, children begin to take more control over their environment. They begin to interact with other children and develop their interpersonal skills.
Freud’s Theory
The fourth stage of psychosexual development is known as the latent period. In this stage, the libido’s energy is suppressed and children focus more on other activities such as school, friends, and hobbies. Freud believed this stage was important for developing social skills and self-confidence.
Erikson’s Theory
Industry versus inferiority is the fourth stage of psychosocial development. Children develop a sense of competence by mastering new skills, like writing and reading on their own.
Freud’s Theory
The fifth stage of psychosexual development is known as the genital stage. It is the time when adolescents begin to explore romantic relationships. According to Freud, the goal of this stage is to develop a sense of balance between all the areas of life.
Erikson’s Theory
The fifth stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is the identity versus role confusion stage. 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.
Freud’s Theory
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’s Theory
Erikson took a lifespan approach, believing that development continues even in old age. His theory includes the three additional stages that span adulthood:
Intimacy vs. isolation: Young adults seek out romantic love and companionship. Generativity vs. stagnation: Middle-aged adults nurture others and contribute to society. Integrity vs. despair: Older adults reflect on their lives, looking back with a sense of fulfillment or bitterness.
Unlike Freud’s psychosexual approach, Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory took a more expansive view of development, encompassing childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. While Freud believed that development was largely complete fairly early on, Erikson felt that it was a process that continued throughout the entire course of a person’s life.
