Submitted to: Ma’am Rabbia Saeed

Submitted from: Syeda Nowaf Zahra

Roll number: 211520064
Submission date: 30, 12, 2023.
Class code: PSY-306(E)
Topic name: Compare and Contrast Freud’s and Erikson’s theories
Theories of development

Child development theory is the study

of children's cognitive, emotional,
social, physical, and behavioral growth
over time. Theories help us understand
how children develop and learn.
They're used to predict future behavior
and guide our teaching methods. There
are many different child development
theories, each with its own set of beliefs
and assumptions. Some theories are
based on scientific evidence, others are
not.

Some theories include Freud Psychosexual theory, Erikson Psychosocial theory,

Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development, Kohlberg's Moral Stages, Jean Piaget's
Theory, Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, and Lev Vygotsky's Social
Learning Theory.

Each theory offers a unique perspective on child development. Each theory has
strengths and weaknesses. Which theory you use depends on your goals and needs.

Assignment

Compare and contrast Freud's psychosexual development theory with Erikson's

psychosocial development theory.
Sigmund Freud Psychosexual Theory

Freud’s developmental theory, is

known as the psychosexual theory.
According to him, personality is
mostly established by the age of
five. Early experiences play a large
role in personality development and
continue to influence behavior later
in life. He believed that personality
develops through a series of
childhood stages during which the
pleasure-seeking energies of the I’d
become focused on certain
erogenous areas.

Erik Erikson Psychosocial Theory

Erik Erikson was an ego psychologist

who developed one of the most
popular and influential theories of
development. While his theory was
impacted by psychoanalyst Sigmund
Freud's work, Erikson's theory
centered on psychosocial
development rather than
psychosexual development. Erikson
identified eight stages.
Compare and Contrast

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.

Birth to 1year

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.

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.

Ages 1 to 3 Years

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.
Age 3 to 6 years

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.

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.

Age 6 to 11 years

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.

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.

Adolescences age

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. During this stage, adolescents develop a personal identity and
a sense of self.

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

 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.

Comparison (similarities)

 Influence of Unconscious Mind:

Both Freud and Erikson acknowledge the role of the unconscious mind in shaping
behavior and development.
  Emphasis on the Role of Parents:

Both theories recognize the significance of parental influence in a child's

development, particularly during the early stages.

 Sequential Nature of Stages:

Both theorists proposed that individuals progress through stages in a sequential

manner. The resolution of conflicts in one stage sets the foundation for success or
challenges in the next stage.

Contrast (differences)

Contrast Freud’s theory Erikson’s theory

Nature of  Psychosexual  Psychosocial development
development development
Developmental  It has five stages, each  It has eight stages, each
Stages associated with a specific characterized by a
erogenous zone and a psychosocial crisis or
particular conflict to be challenge
resolved.

Role of social  Less emphasis on social  Integral component

factor and cultural factors, recognizing the impact of
focusing more on intra- societal expectations on
psychic conflicts. identity development
Concept of  Id, Ego, Superego  Ego development
personality
Gender  Phallic Stage and Oedipus  Broader perspective
development Complex
Conflict  Unconscious Conflicts  Conscious Ego Integration
resolution
Lifespan  Primarily Childhood  Lifespan Approach
perspective