NAME: ODOGIYON FAVOUR IYANUOLUWA

MATRIC NO: 190214002

COURSE CODE: EDU 322

COURSE TITLE: DEVELOPMENTAL

PSYCHOLOGY

DEPARTMENT: SCIENCE EDUCATION

UNIT: MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

ASSIGNMENT: COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE

PERSONALITY THEORIES OF SIGMUND FREUD
AND ERIK ERIKSON

LECTURER IN CHARGE: DR MRS AJIDAHUN

Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory and Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory are two
well-known theories of development. While these theories have several similarities,
perhaps because Freud was a mentor to Erikson, they also had some differences.

For instance, like Freud, Erikson recognized the importance of the unconscious on
development. He also believed that personality develops in a series of predetermined
stages. Yet, Erikson's theory differed in a number of important ways. Mainly, unlike
Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages, Erikson’s theory describes the impact of social
experience across the whole lifespan.

Freud's approach has fallen out of favor with many modern psychologists and
researchers, but Erikson's views remain popular and relevant.

Let's compare and contrast these two theories by looking at some of the key similarities
and differences between Freud and Erikson at the various stages of development.

Birth to 1 year

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 Theory

The first stage of psychosexual development is known as the oral stage.2

APA Dictionary of Psychology. Oral stage. American Psychological Association.

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.3 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.

Ages 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.

Freud's Theory

The second stage of psychosexual development is known as the anal stage.4 In this
stage, 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.

Erikson's Theory

Autonomy versus shame and doubt is the second stage of psychosocial

development.5 During this stage, children become more mobile. They develop self-
sufficiency by controlling activities such as eating, toilet training, and talking.

Children who are supported in this stage become more confident and independent.
Those who are criticized or overly controlled are 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. Erikson's theory was more focused on how
children interact with parents and peers.

Freud's Theory

The third stage of psychosexual development is known as the phallic stage.6 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.7 In
this stage, children begin to take more control over their environment. They begin to
interact with other children and develop their interpersonal skills.

Those who are successful at this stage develop a sense of purpose while those who
struggle are left with feelings of guilt.

Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood

Ages 7 to 11 Years

Freud believed that this age served as more of a transitional period between childhood
and adolescence.8 Erikson, on the other hand, believed that kids continue to forge a
sense of independence and competence during this phase.

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.5 Children

develop a sense of competence by mastering new skills, like writing and reading on
their own.

Kids who succeed at this stage develop pride in their accomplishments, while those who
struggle may be left feeling incompetent.

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
The fifth stage of psychosexual development is known as the genital stage.8 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.

Those who have successfully completed the earlier stages are now warm, caring, and
well-adjusted.

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.

With proper encouragement, children will emerge from this stage with a strong sense of
self and what they want to accomplish. Those who struggle will remain confused about
who they are and their place in society.

Adulthood

Freud's theory focused exclusively on development between birth and the teen years,
while Erikson's theory extended into adulthood.

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:9

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.
In Summary

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.