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Sigmund Freud’spsychosexual theoryand Erik Erikson’spsychosocial theoryare two well-knowntheories 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.
Birth to 1 Yearredheadpictures / Cultura / Getty ImagesThe 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 TheoryThe 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.Problems with this stage can result in what Freud referred to as an oralfixation.Erikson’s TheoryTrust vs. mistrustis 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.
Birth to 1 Year
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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.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 oralfixation.
Erikson’s Theory
Trust vs. mistrustis 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
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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.
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.
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 YearsSally Anscombe / Taxi / Getty ImagesDuring the preschool and early elementary years, Freud’s theory was much more concerned with therole of the libido. Erikson’s theory was more focused on how children interact with parents and peers.Freud’s TheoryThe 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 theOedipus complexwhile girls experience theElectra complex.By the end of this stage, they begin to identify with their same-sex parent.Erikson’s TheoryErikson’s third stage of psychosocial development is theinitiative versus guiltstage.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 3 to 6 Years
Sally Anscombe / Taxi / Getty Images
During the preschool and early elementary years, Freud’s theory was much more concerned with therole of the libido. Erikson’s theory was more focused on how children interact with parents and peers.
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 theOedipus complexwhile girls experience theElectra complex.
By the end of this stage, they begin to identify with their same-sex parent.
Erikson’s third stage of psychosocial development is theinitiative versus guiltstage.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
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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.
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.
Kids who succeed at this stage develop pride in their accomplishments, while those who struggle may be left feeling incompetent.
AdolescenceTom Merton / Caiaimage / Getty ImagesAdolescence 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 TheoryThe 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.Those who have successfully completed the earlier stages are now warm, caring, and well-adjusted.Erikson’s TheoryThe fifth stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is theidentity versus role confusionstage. 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.
Adolescence
Tom Merton / Caiaimage / Getty Images
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.
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.
Those who have successfully completed the earlier stages are now warm, caring, and well-adjusted.
The fifth stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is theidentity versus role confusionstage. 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
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Freud’s theory focused exclusively on development between birth and the teen years, while Erikson’s theory extended into adulthood.
Erikson took a lifespan approach, believing that development continues even in old age. His theory includes the three additional stages that span adulthood:
A Word From VerywellFreud’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 shapingadult 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.
A Word From Verywell
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 shapingadult 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.
9 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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APA Dictionary of Psychology.Basic trust versus mistrust. American Psychological Association.
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Vogel-Scibilia SE, McNulty KC, Baxter B, Miller S, Dine M, Frese FJ 3rd.The recovery process utilizing Erikson’s stages of human development.Community Ment Health J. 2009;45(6):405–414. doi:10.1007/s10597-009-9189-4
Armagan A, Silay MS, Karatag T, et al.Circumcision during the phallic period: does it affect the psychosexual functions in adulthood?.Andrologia. 2014;46(3):254-7. doi:10.1111/and.12071
APA Dictionary of Psychology.Initiative versus guilt. American Psychological Association.
Kar SK, Choudhury A, Singh AP.Understanding normal development of adolescent sexuality: A bumpy ride.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015;8(2):70–74. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.158594
Malone JC, Liu SR, Vaillant GE, Rentz DM, Waldinger RJ.Midlife Eriksonian psychosocial development: Setting the stage for late-life cognitive and emotional health.Dev Psychol. 2016;52(3):496–508. doi:10.1037/a0039875
Newman BM, Newman PR.Development Through Life: A Psychosocial Approach. Cengage Learning.Schaffer DR, Kipp K.Developmental Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence. Wadsworth.
Newman BM, Newman PR.Development Through Life: A Psychosocial Approach. Cengage Learning.
Schaffer DR, Kipp K.Developmental Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence. Wadsworth.
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