Freud and Erikson, Comparing Theories of Development
Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory and Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory are two wellknown theories of development. While he was influenced by Freud's ideas, Erikson's theory
differed in a number of important ways. Like Freud, Erikson believed that personality develops
in a series of predetermined stages. Unlike Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages, Erikson’s
theory describes the impact of social experience across the whole lifespan. Compare and
contrast these two theories by looking at the overview of developmental stages provided in the
chart below.
Approximate
Ages
Freud's Stages of
Psychosexual
Development
Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
Birth to 1 year
Oral Stage
Trust vs Mistrust
A child's primary
Children learn to either trust or mistrust their
source of pleasure is
caregivers.
through the mouth, via
sucking, eating and
tasting.
1-3 years
Anal Stage
Autonomy vs. Doubt
Children gain a sense
Children develop self-sufficiency by controlling
of mastery and
activities such as eating, toilet training and talking.
competence by
controlling bladder and
bowel movements.
3-6 years
Phallic Stage
Initiative vs. Guilt
The libido's energy is Children begin to take more control over their
focused on the
environment.
genitals. Children
begin to identify with
their same-sex parent.
Approximate
Ages
Freud's Stages of
Psychosexual
Development
Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
Adolescence
Genital Stage
Children begin to
explore romantic
relationships.
Identity vs Role Confusion
Children develop a personal identify and sense of self.
Adulthood
According to Freud,
the genital stage lasts
throughout adulthood.
He believed the goal is
to develop a balance
between all areas of
life.
Intimacy vs Isolation
Young adults seek out romantic love and companionship.
Generativity vs Stagnation
Middle-aged adults nurture others and contribute to
society.
Integrity vs Despair
Older adults reflect on their lives, looking back with a
sense of fulfillment or bitterness.