Frued’s and Erikson’s

ERICSON OLARIO ALIETO

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics
PROFESSOR II
Western Mindanao State University
ericson.alieto@wmsu.edu.ph
Sigmund Freud's Psychosexual Developmental Theory is a
foundational framework in psychology that proposes that human
development occurs in stages, each characterized by a focus on
different erogenous zones and associated conflicts. These stages
are crucial in shaping an individual's personality and behavior.
Oral Stage (0-1 year):
• Focus: Mouth and oral activities (sucking, biting).
• Key Conflict: Weaning from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
• Outcomes:
• Fixation: Oral-dependent personality traits (e.g., dependence, oral
fixation).
• Resolution: Successful resolution leads to the development of trust
and the ability to form secure relationships.
Anal Stage (1-3 years):
• Focus: Anus and control over bowel movements.
• Key Conflict: Toilet training and control over elimination.
• Outcomes:
• Fixation: Anal-retentive or anal-expulsive personality traits (e.g.,
orderliness or messiness).
• Resolution: Successful resolution leads to the development of self-
control and a sense of order
Phallic Stage (3-6 years):
• Focus: Genitals and exploration of one's own body.
• Key Conflict: Oedipus (boys) and Electra (girls) complexes, involving
sexual attraction to the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the same-
sex parent.
• Outcomes:
• Fixation: Phallic personality traits, such as vanity, jealousy, or
competitiveness.
• Resolution: Successful resolution involves identifying with the same-sex
parent and developing a healthy gender identity.
Latency Stage (6-12 years):
• Focus: Sexual impulses are dormant.
• Key Characteristics: Focus on social and cognitive
development, friendships, and learning.
• Outcomes: The resolution of earlier conflicts allows for healthy
psychological development and the acquisition of social skills.
Genital Stage (Adolescence-Adulthood):
• Focus: Genitals and mature sexual relationships.
• Key Conflict: Reawakening of sexual desires and the pursuit of
romantic and sexual relationships.
• Outcomes:
• Fixation: Successful resolution leads to the ability to form healthy,
mature relationships.
• Failure to resolve conflicts may result in difficulties in forming
intimate relationships.
It's important to note that Freud's theory has faced criticism and
has been largely replaced by more contemporary theories of
development. Critics argue that it relies heavily on unconscious
and unverifiable concepts, and it places too much emphasis on
early childhood experiences as determinants of personality.
Nonetheless, Freud's ideas have had a lasting impact on
psychology and continue to be influential in the field of
psychoanalysis.
Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Developmental Theory
is a comprehensive framework that outlines the stages of human
development across the lifespan. Unlike Freud's psychosexual
theory, Erikson's theory focuses on the psychosocial aspects of
development, emphasizing the social and cultural influences on a
person's identity and the challenges individuals face at different
stages of life. Erikson identified eight stages of psychosocial
development, each associated with a specific conflict or crisis that
individuals must navigate to achieve healthy development.
Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, 0-1 year):
• Central Conflict: Establishing trust in the world through
consistent and reliable caregiving.
• Positive Outcome: Trust and confidence in others and the
world.
• Negative Outcome: Mistrust, fear, and insecurity.
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood, 1-3
years):
• Central Conflict: Developing a sense of independence and
autonomy while learning to control bodily functions.
• Positive Outcome: Autonomy, self-confidence, and the ability
to make choices.
• Negative Outcome: Shame, doubt, and a lack of self-esteem.
Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 3-6 years):
• Central Conflict: Exploring the environment and taking on new
challenges, while learning to manage impulses and guilt.
• Positive Outcome: Initiative, a sense of purpose, and the ability
to set and pursue goals.
• Negative Outcome: Guilt, inhibition, and fear of taking risks.
Industry vs. Inferiority (Elementary School, 6-12 years):
• Central Conflict: Developing competence in social, academic,
and extracurricular activities.
• Positive Outcome: Industry, a sense of accomplishment, and
self-esteem.
• Negative Outcome: Inferiority, feelings of inadequacy and low
self-esteem.
Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12-18 years):
• Central Conflict: Forming a clear sense of self, identity, and
purpose.
• Positive Outcome: Identity, a strong sense of self, and the
ability to make long-term commitments.
• Negative Outcome: Role confusion, identity crisis, and
uncertainty about one's place in the world.
Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood, 18-40 years):
• Central Conflict: Establishing deep and meaningful
relationships with others.
• Positive Outcome: Intimacy, love, and lasting relationships.
• Negative Outcome: Isolation, loneliness, and difficulty forming
close connections.
Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40-65 years):
• Central Conflict: Contributing to the well-being of future
generations through work, parenthood, and community
involvement.
• Positive Outcome: Generativity, a sense of purpose, and a
lasting legacy.
• Negative Outcome: Stagnation, feelings of unproductiveness
and dissatisfaction.
Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood, 65+ years):
• Central Conflict: Reflecting on life and accepting its meaning
and value.
• Positive Outcome: Integrity, wisdom, and a sense of
fulfillment.
• Negative Outcome: Despair, regret, and bitterness.
Erikson's theory emphasizes that successful resolution of each
stage's conflict contributes to healthy psychological development
and the ability to progress to the next stage with a well-formed
identity and a positive outlook on life. However, unresolved
conflicts can lead to developmental challenges and hinder
psychological well-being. Erikson's theory has been influential in
understanding human development and identity formation
throughout the lifespan.