Theoretical Comparison: Erikson vs. Freud

Erikson’s Eight Psychosocial Stages/ Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory

Erik Erikson who previously worked with Freud formed his own theory known as the Psychosocial Theory. Erikson is the first in his field to develop a life-span theory which covers birth to old age. Freud’s’ Psychoanalytic Theory only consist of birth to 12 years of age. “In Erikson’s view Freud placed far too much emphasis on the role of biological and sexual forces in human development … neglect of development after adolescence. (Ashford, J.B. & LeCroy, C.W. , 2013). There are three key parts to Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory; the id, the ego, and superego. Erikson accepts Freud’s description of the id, ego, and superego, however, he believes that the development of these three components grow throughout ones’ life. Erikson’s’ beliefs were based on two contributing factors biological and age-linked ethnic expectancy. Both theories are based on sequences and age limits. But Freud’s’ model does not give room for an individual to obtain their own identity. “…the psychoanalytic method…cannot quite grasp identity because it has not developed terms to conventionalize the environment”, (Erikson, E. H., 1998).  One learns and adapts to a series of cultures and environments throughout their lives. Changes are made within a person with life’s events which we develop mentally with each passing day. Therefore, it would be foolish to believe that the stages of life have been formed in an individual at such an early stage as adolescence. Which is the stand point of Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory.

Ashford, J.B. & LeCroy, C.W. (2013). Human behavior in the social environment: A multidimensional perspective (pg. 99), (5th ed.). Australia: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning

Erikson, E. H., (1998). Identity Youth and Crisis (pg. 24). (reissued in paperback). W.W. Norton & Company, INC. New York, New York