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.
Oral Stage (Birth – 1.5 years) An
infant’s pleasure isfocused on the
mouth.
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.
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
is centered on the anus. years) The infant or toddler begins to realize
that they are an independent person who can
make decisions.

Phallic Stage (3 – 6 years)

Primarily genital focus.
Initiative vs. Guilt (3 to 6 years) Pre-
schooler’s begin to develop a willingness to
try new things and to handle failure.

Latency Stage(6 years – puberty) Industry vs. Inferiority (6 years to puberty)

Sexual interest is repressed; Social The adolescent begins to learn basic skills and
and how to work with others.
intellectual skills develop.

Genital Stage(Puberty – Onward) Identity vs. Identity Confusion (10 to 20

As sexual years) With strong encouragement and
reawakening occurs,an individual reinforcement, the young adult will develop a
outside of strong sense of self, complimented by strong
the family becomes a source of independence and control.
sexual pleasure.

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.
 • 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.