1) What is the significant development of each

developmental stage according to Sigmund Freud

vs. Erik Erickson starting from infancy to late
adulthood?

Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory and Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory

are two well-known theories of development. While he was influenced by
Freud's ideas, Erikson's theory differed in a number of important ways.

Like Freud, Erikson 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.

Age: Birth to 1 Year

Infant with mother

The two theories of development both focus on the importance of early

experiences, but there are notable differences between Freud's and
Erikson's ideas. Freud centered on the importance of feeding, while Erikson
was more concerned with how responsive caretakers are to a child's needs.

Freud's Stages of Psychosexual Development

Freud's called this 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 Stages of Psychosocial Development

Erikson called this the trust versus mistrust stage.

Children learn to either trust or mistrust their caregivers.
The care that adults provide determines whether children develop this
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.

Age: 1 to 3 Years

While there are a number of differences between Erikson's and Freud's

ideas, their theories both focus on how children develop a sense of
independence and mastery.

Psychosexual Development:

Freud called this the anal stage of development.

Children gain a sense of mastery and competence by controlling bladder and
bowel movements.
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.

Psychosocial Development:

Erikson called this the autonomy versus shame and doubt stage.
Children develop self-sufficiency by controlling activities such as eating,
toilet training, and talking.
Those who succeed at this stage develop a sense of independence while
those who struggle will be left doubting themselves.
Ages: 3 to 6 Years

During the preschool and early elementary years, Freud's theory was much
more concerned with the role of the libido while Erikson's theory was more
focused on how children interact with parents and peers.

Freud's Theory:

Freud referred to this as the phallic stage.

The libido's energy is focused on the genitals. Children begin to identify with
their same-sex parent.
Boys experience the Oedipus complex while girls experience the Electra
complex.

Erikson's Theory:

Erikson's called this the initiative versus guilt stage.

Children begin to take more control over their environment.
Those who are successful at this stage develop a sense of purpose while
those who struggle are left with feelings of guilt.

Ages: 7 to 11 Years

Freud believed that this age served as more of a transitional period between
childhood and adolescence. Erikson, on the other hand, believed that kids
continue to forge a sense of independence and competence.

Psychosexual Development:

Freud referred to this as the latent period.

The libido's energy is suppressed and children are focused on other activities
such as school, friends, and hobbies.
Freud believed this stage was important for developing social skills and self-
confidence.
Psychosocial Development:

Erikson called this the industry versus inferiority stage.

Children develop a sense of competence by mastering new skills.
Kids who succeed at this stage develop pride in their accomplishments while
those who struggle may be left feeling incompetent.

Age: 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.

Freud's Theory:

Freud referred to this point in psychosexual development as the genital

stage.
Children begin to explore romantic relationships.
The goal of this stage is to develop a sense of balance between all the areas
of life. Those who have successfully completed the earlier stages are now
warm, caring and well-adjusted.

Erikson's Theory:

Erikson's called this point in psychosocial development the identity versus

role confusion stage.
Children develop a personal identity and sense of self.
Teens explore different roles, attitudes, and identities as they develop a
sense of self.
Those who receive support and encouragement will emerge with a strong
sense of who they are and what they want to accomplish.
Those who struggle to forge a strong identity will remain confused about
who they are and what they want to do with their life.
Age: Adulthood

Freud's theory focused exclusively on development between birth and the

teen years, implying that personality is largely set in stone by early
childhood. Erikson, on the other hand, took a lifespan approach and
believed that development continues even in to old age.

Freud's Theory of Psychosexual Development:

Freud's theory largely focuses on the period between birth and adolescence.
According to Freud, the genital stage lasts throughout adulthood. He
believed the goal is to develop a balance between all areas of life.

Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development:

Eriksons' theory includes three more stages that span adulthood. These
three stages are:
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.

A Word From Verywell..

Freud's and Erikson's theories of development share a number of important

similarities. Both stressed the importance of social experiences and
recognized the role that childhood plays in shaping adult personality. 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.