How Do Erikson's and Freud's Theories Compare? (2024)

Theories

Developmental Psychology

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

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 ofpsychosexual 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.

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 ofpsychosexual 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.

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 ofpsychosexual 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.

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 during this phase.

Freud's Theory

The fourth stage ofpsychosexual 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.

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 ofpsychosexual 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 identityand a sense of self. Teens explore different roles, attitudes, and identities as they develop a sense of self.

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:

• 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.