A Comparison Between Freud and Erikson Essay - 1955 Words

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. Developmental psychology is an area of†¦show more content†¦It allows an individual to regulate standards, embrace moral values and decides whether or not the ego has implemented problem-solving strategies that are acceptable (Shaffer et al, 2010; Wedding Corsini, 2014). Ultimately, Freud believed that sex was the most important instinct influencing personality 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 to a fixation on that activity throughout their lifetime (Shaffer et al., 2010). This fixation can eventually lead to a regression in behaviour. Regression can determine whether or not the behaviour is psychopathological in nature depending on intensity and changes within their personality (Kerig Wenar, 2006; Lothane, 2006). Freud created five stages of psychosexual development that includes the oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital phases. The oral stage begins at birth and lasts until approximately age one. Throughout the first phase, Freud believed that, the sex instinct was centered on the mouth. Often infants derive pleasure from oral activities such as chewing, sucking, biting, or feeding activities. Moreover, Freud thought that if a child was weaned off the mother’s breast too early their adult personality characteristics might crave close contact and become an overly dependent spouseShow MoreRelatedStages of Development: Comparison Between Freud and Erikson1999 Words   |  8 PagesIn order to compare Freud’s theory of psychosexual development with Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development an overview of each will first be discussed, followed by a comparison of similarities and differences. Freud’s Theory of Psychosexual Development Freud believed personality was crystallised in childhood thus proposing a series of developmental stages progressing from birth to puberty. 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