Comparison of Freud and Erikson theories of developmental stages

Erickson later developed his own theory that was based on Freud's work but based development on psychosocial stages. These two theories may have similarities but also present unique traits around each one and this essay seeks to discuss. According to Freud, human development was based on sexual pleasure urges that were based on different erogenous zones depending on the development stage. He believed that completion of all psychosexual stages led to a healthy fully developed persona. His theory based on biological needs while Erickson's theory, though it shares the basic foundations as that of Freud, it is based on socio- environmental characteristics. Erickson named this stage the autonomy versus doubt , where a toddler being able to control his body function may develop certain personality traits (Gay, 1988).

He agreed with the significance of toilet training in this stage but thought that there were other ways that control could manifest. This stage was responsible for building a child's self esteem who would later he self reliant and in other cases, it would develop children that are doubtful of themselves and continually shy. The third stage according to Freud was the phallic stage, that occurred between 3and 6years of age. During this stage, children developed sexual attraction towards the opposite sex and experience sexual desire on their genitals. The last stage of the psychosexual theory is the genital stage that takes place from age 12 onwards. Sexual impulses are reawakened as children become attracted to the opposite sex in preparation for marriage and childbearing.