Similarities and Differences Between Freud's Psycho-Sexual Theory and Erikson's Psychosocial Theory
Freud versus Erikson In this paper I will compare and contrast two of the most influential psychologists who helped shape the way we understand the development of the human mind; Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson. I will focus on the similarities and differences between Freud’s Psycho-sexual theory, and Erikson’s psychosocial theory. Also, how Freud was one of the very first influential psychologists who changed the way we study humans today. Influenced by him, Erikson recognized Freud’s contributions, and although he felt Freud might have misjudged some of the important dimensions of human development, we can still find similarities between their theories.
Erikson has eight stages in his theory compared to Freud’s five; you can see that Erikson's first five stages are quite similar to Freud’s five stages. The first similarity that can be seen is that each stage in both psychologists’ theories takes place around approximately the same age. First stage takes place from birth to about one year. Second stage is about one year to age three. Third stage is age three until approximately ages five or six. The fourth stage is from age six until the first onset of puberty. While the rest of the stages take place from puberty into adulthood. After puberty is the last of Freud stages while Erikson’s continue on to three more stages.
Similarities between Freud & Erikson
Freud's psychosexual theory and Erikson's psychosocial theory are two important psychoanalytic theories on human development. Erikson's theory followed Freud's and was based on many of Freud's ideas and because of this, the two theories have similarities. Both of these theorists recognize the importance of the unconscious on development. They also both separate development into stages of a person's life and utilize similar age divisions for these developmental stages.
Differences between Freud & Erikson
However, there are several differences that exist between the two theories for example, the names of the
Erikson has eight stages in his theory compared to Freud’s five; you can see that Erikson's first five stages are quite similar to Freud’s five stages. The first similarity that can be seen is that each stage in both psychologists’ theories takes place around approximately the same age. First stage takes place from birth to about one year. Second stage is about one year to age three. Third stage is age three until approximately ages five or six. The fourth stage is from age six until the first onset of puberty. While the rest of the stages take place from puberty into adulthood. After puberty is the last of Freud stages while Erikson’s continue on to three more stages.
Similarities between Freud & Erikson
Freud's psychosexual theory and Erikson's psychosocial theory are two important psychoanalytic theories on human development. Erikson's theory followed Freud's and was based on many of Freud's ideas and because of this, the two theories have similarities. Both of these theorists recognize the importance of the unconscious on development. They also both separate development into stages of a person's life and utilize similar age divisions for these developmental stages.
Differences between Freud & Erikson
However, there are several differences that exist between the two theories for example, the names of the