Introduction
The purpose of this assignment is to do research on Sigmund Freud’s psychosexual theory and Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory- focussing on the definitions, differences, similarities and finally my opinion on the theories. It is said that these theories are somewhat similar to one another. They shared similar developmental theories and age divisions, and besides, Erikson’s theory are mainly based on Freud’s ideas! So, the big question now is, what is the difference between the two theories? What do they have in common? Let us find out.
Sigmund Freud
The psychosexual theory was proposed by the well-known psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. He described the development process of our personality through the course of our childhood.
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While Freud’s theory mainly focused on sex, Erikson did not see the/our sexual drive as important. Erikson mainly concentrated on the/our identity. Freud’s theory stated that during adolescence, the development of an individual’s identity occurred. On the other hand, Erikson believed that throughout our life our identity evolved and developed. Unlike Freud’s thoughts on maturation (he believed maturation played a big role in our development or life), Erikson rather emphasized the importance of a child’s cultural demand.
In summary, my theory of choice is Erikson’s psychosocial theory. I see the importance of human to human interaction greater than that of “psychosexual energy” (which is said to be the driving force behind our behaviour). Our behaviour can be influenced by our social interactions and ultimately have a great effect on our behaviour. We gain the needed skills to operate within the society, rather than focusing on our desires. It is important to know the limits of our desires, but I think we can gain this knowledge through social interaction as
Erik Erikson was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1902. Because his mother was Jewish and his father was not, he was often bullied in school. He had blonde hair and blue eyes, so his Jewish peers mocked him for standing out and being different, and his peers at school teased him simply for being Jewish. His own internal conflict with his identity sparked his interest in identity formation and development. Although he never actually received a degree in medicine or psychology, he became friends with Anna Freud who helped him study psychoanalysis. Erikson supported and was influenced by many of Sigmund Freud’s ideas. Freud had a theory on development, he called it the 5 stages of psychosexual development, this is one of the theories that Erikson
Erikson was a psychologist who was greatly influenced by Freud. Although influenced by Freud there are some differences in there developmental stages. Erikson believed that development in an individual was molded by society, culture, and environment. While Freud’s belief was that development is in some way is influenced by the fixation of sexual interest of different areas of the body. The stages in Erikson’s development theory outline how important social experiences can shape us. While Freud’s theory is mainly based on ones sexuality. Additionally the other significant difference between Erikson’s and Freud’s theories is the outcome of a particular stage. Erikson believed that the outcome of a certain stage was not permanent and that it could be changed later on in life. While Freud presumed that if an individual became fixated on a stage problems associated with that stage would be carried on through life.
In 1905 Sigmund Freud theorized that childhood development happens in stages, which are called “Psychosexual Development Stages.” In 1950 Erik Erikson developed “Psychosocial Stages,” which are greatly influenced by Freud’s theories. Freud’s theory centers on psychosexual energy or the libido. Erickson’s theory centers on issues and tasks being met at specific ages. Even though we are sexual beings, our developmental stages do not focus entirely on sexual pleasures. Both theories do show that personality develops in stages. Although, Erickson’s theory is the better theory.
This research paper will compare and contrast two of the most influencial psychologists who helped shape the way we understand the development of the human mind; Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson. The paper will focus on the similarities and differences between Freud’s Psycho-sexual theory, and Erikson’s psychosocial theory. Freud was one of the very first influencial psychologists who changed the way we study humans. Erikson recognized Freud’s contributions, and although he felt Freud misjudged some important dimensions of human development, he was still influenced by Freud, which caused some similarities in their theories.
The physician Sigmund Freud created the concept psychoanalytic theory and also accepted reactive development and discontinuous growth. Freud created the id, ego and superego personality components that determined how society ruled our lives. This way of thinking gave birth to psychosexual development where there are five
Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory and Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory are two important psychoanalytic theories on human development
Developmental psychology is an area of research dedicated to the understanding of child-development. Throughout history many theories have been used to attempt to explain the complex process. Two of those theorists, Freud and Erikson, were instrumental in creating a foundation for child-psychology to build on. From a Freudian perspective, human development is centered on psychosexual theory. Psychosexual theory indicates that maturation of the sex drives underlies stages of personality development. Alternatively, Erikson is considered a neo-freudian scholar who developed psychosocial theory. In Erikson models there are eight major conflicts that occur during the course of an individual’s life.
"Erikson's main contribution was to bridge the gap between the theories of psychoanalysis on the problems of human development, which emphasize private emotions, and the broader social influences that bear upon the individual. He was a strong proponent of the concept that social environment plays a major role in the development of personality. Going beyond the of a child's early life, Erikson concentrated on broader issues of peer culture, school environment, and cultural values and ideals. This led him to study the period of adolescence, in which he documented the interaction of a person's inner feelings and impulses with the world that surrounds the person."
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), was an influential Austrian psychologist and the founder of psychoanalysis. Freud went on to produce several theories, such as his theory on psychosexual development, which will be the focus of this assignment. Using the case study of a six-year-old patient, I will discuss the key principles of Freud’s theory on psychosexual development. Including, comprehensive definitions of the concepts used, and the stages of Freud’s psychosexual development. Lastly using Freud’s theory, I will explain how the patient’s current behaviour, could impact her behaviour in adulthood.
Children who complete these stages successfully, grow to be calm and well centered adults (Ku,
From a Freudian perspective human development is based on psychosexual theory. From a psychosexual perspective maturation of the sex drives underlies stages of personality development (Shaffer et al., 2010). Ultimately, Freud believed that sex was the most important instinct and any mental disturbance revolved around sexual conflicts that were suppressed from childhood. Furthermore, Freud believed that parents permitting too much or too little gratification of sexual needs led
For example, if a girl is attracted to her father, mother should be aware of such circumstances and
develops in a series of stages, there are differences that exist between the names of the
Freud´s psychosexual theory underlines the importance of basic needs and biological forces. Erikson´s psychosocial theory is based upon social and environmental factors. Erikson also expands his theory into adulthood while Freud´s ends at an earlier period.
Erikson's theory followed Freud's and was based on many of Freud's ideas. Because of this, the