Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Psychoanalytical Theory. Freud vs. Erikson!

Psychoanalytical theory, what is it? 

Psychoanalytical theory is a grand theory of human development that holds that irrational, unconscious drives and motives, often originating in childhood, underlie human behavior. Sigmund Freud was an Austrian physician who treated those who were going through mental illnesses. According to Freud there are 5 stages that we go through in life. 3 out of those 5 occur within the first 6 six years of life. On the other hand Erik Erikson who believed there are 8 stages that a person goes through.

(ages are approximate)

Freud:
Stage 1: birth- 1 year
            Oral Stage
            The mouth, tongue, and gums are the focus of pleasurable sensations in the baby’s body.  
            Sucking and feeding are the most stimulating activities.
Stage 2: 1-3 years
            Anal Stage
            The anus is the focus of pleasurable sensations in the baby’s body.
Toilet training is the most important activity.
Stage 3: 3-6 years
            Phallic Stage
            The phallus, or penis, is the most important body part.
            Pleasure is derived from genital stimulation.
            Boys are proud of their penises, and girls wonder why they don’t have one.
Stage 4: 6-11 years
            Latency Stage
            It is more of an interlude than a stage.
            Sexual needs are quiet.
            Children put psychic energy into conventional activities like schoolwork and sports.
Stage 5: adolescence- adulthood
            Genital Stage
            The genitals are the focus of pleasurable sensations.
A young person seeks sexual stimulation and sexual satisfaction in heterosexual relationships
Freud said that the genital stage continues through adulthood. He also believes that the goal of a healthy life is to love and to work.

Erikson:
Stage 1: Birth to 1 year
            Trust vs. Mistrust
A child learns whether they can count on others to care for them or to lack the confidence in the care of others.
Stage 2: 1-3 years
            Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
            Children learn to be self-sufficient in many activities or to doubt their own abilities.
Stage 3: 3-6 years
            Initiative vs. Guilt
Children like to take on adult like activities or they fear the boundaries set by their parents.
Stage 4: 6-11 years
            Industry vs. Inferiority
Children are learning to be proficient and dynamic in mastering new skills or they feel second-rate and incapable to do anything.
Stage 5: Adolescence
            Identity vs. Role Confusion
            Adolescence learns to answer “Who am I?” or they are tangled in what roles to play.
Stage 6: Young Adults
            Intimacy vs. Isolation
            They seek companionship and love or detach in fear of denial and dissatisfaction,
Stage 7: Middle Aged
            Generativity vs. Stagnation
Middle-aged adults contribute to the next generation through meaningful work, creative activities and/or raising a family or they deteriorate.
Stage 8: Older Adult
            Integrity vs. Despair
They try to make sense of their life. Did they feel it was eloquent or are they dragging about not reaching goals?






This information came from my textbook for my Understanding Human Growth and Development class. 
The Developing Person: Through Childhood and Adolescence 7th Edition by: Kathleen Stassen Berger

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