Freud Erikson Anylitical Theory

Psychoanalytic theory is a general term for approaches to psychoanalysis that attempt to provide a conceptual framework more-or-less independent of clinical practice rather than based on empirical analysis of clinical cases (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 2009-01-18). Psychoanalytic theorists emphasize that our early interactions and experiences with our parents extensively contribute to how we develop. It is commonly believed that human development is primarily beyond our conscious awareness and is deeply shaped by our emotions. Psychoanalytic theorists stress that a thorough analysis of our behaviors’ symbolic meanings, along with a detailed search into the deep inner workings of the mind, is necessary to provide a true understanding of human development. An emphasis on developmental framework, familial relationships, and unconscious elements of the mind contributes to the common characteristics of psychoanalytic theory. The pioneers of psychoanalytic theory were Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) and Erik Erickson (1902 – 1994). To gain a better idea of fundamental psychoanalytic theory points, a comparison of each theory is detailed below:

Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) Theorized that individuals go through five stages of psychosexual development. During each stage, conflicts between pleasures sources help shape an individual’s personality.

Erik Erikson (1902 – 1994). Theorized that individuals go through eight stages of psychosocial development. In each stage, Erikson believed people experience a conflict that serves as a turning point in development.

Oral Stage (Birth – 1.5 years) An infant’s pleasure isfocused on the mouth.

Basic Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth to 1 year) The infant develops a sense that the world is a good, safe place.

Anal Stage (1.5 – 3 years) Pleasure Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1 to 3 years) The infant or toddler begins to realize is centered on the anus. that they are an independent person who can make decisions.

Phallic Stage (3 – 6 years) Primarily genital focus.

Latency Stage(6 years – puberty)

Initiative vs. Guilt (3 to 6 years) Preschooler’s begin to develop a willingness to try new things and to handle failure. Industry vs. Inferiority (6 years to puberty)

Sexual interest is repressed; Social and intellectual skills develop.

The adolescent begins to learn basic skills and how to work with others.

Genital Stage(Puberty – Onward) As sexual reawakening occurs,an individual outside of the family becomes a source of sexual pleasure.

Identity vs. Identity Confusion (10 to 20 years) With strong encouragement and reinforcement, the young adult will develop a strong sense of self, complimented by strong independence and control.

Intimacy vs. Isolation (20’s to 30’s) Erikson believed that a strong sense of personal identity was vital to the development of intimate relationships. Through Erikson’s studies, it was demonstrated that those with a poor sense of self were likely to have less committed relationships and were more likely to suffer loneliness, emotional isolation, and depression. Generatively vs. Stagnation (40’s to 50’s) By remaining active and maintaining a focus on careers, community, and families, an individual would feel their contribution to the world. Failure at this stage would lead to unproductive and uninvolved feelings. Integrity vs. Despair (60’s onward) Retrospective reflection is performed on an individual’s past. Integrity is achieved if a review reveals a life well spent; if not, doubt and gloom will likely result. • •

Both Erikson and Freud agreed that human development is largely an unconscious growth; when developmental change occurs it is a gradual, cumulative growth of distinct, universal stages (continuity). While Freud believed that our personality is shaped by how well conflicts are resolved and whether the demands of reality influence these resolutions, Erikson places more emphasis on cultural experiences as determinates of an individual’s development. The Freudian theory states that human behavior is motivated by sexual impulses (libido); conversely, Erikson’s theory focuses on a sense of competence with social affiliations as the primary influence on human behavior.

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According to Erikson’s theory, both early and late experiences are equally important to an individual’s development and social experiences influence development across the life span. In contrast, Freud felt that our basic personality is extensively shaped by the first five years of life and early experiences were far more important than late experiences.

Erikson states that each of the distinct stages of the human life cycle is marked by turning points that are delineated by increased vulnerability and enhanced potential. His theory has advanced psychoanalytic theory to the fundamental point where it can now describe the development of a healthy personality on its own terms.

Tish Love Thursday, January 22, 2009 (608) 623-0040. Mornings or early evenings are the best time to reach me.