Psychology: Erikson and Freud's Theories

A stage in psychosocial development where infants learn to trust or mistrust their caregivers based on how well their needs are met.

A stage in psychosocial development where toddlers learn to become independent and self-reliant, or feel shame and doubt when they fail.

A stage in psychosocial development where preschoolers learn to take initiative and explore their surroundings, or feel guilt for their actions if they are punished or criticized.

A stage in psychosocial development where school-aged children learn to feel competent in their abilities, or feel inferior if they struggle to keep up with their peers.

A stage in psychosocial development where adolescents explore their identity and values, or become confused about their place in the world.

A stage in psychosocial development where young adults form intimate relationships with others, or feel isolated and alone.

A stage in psychosocial development where middle-aged adults find meaning in their work and family, or feel stagnant and unproductive.

A stage in psychosocial development where older adults reflect on their lives and find acceptance, or feel despair about missed opportunities.

Erikson's theory suggests that individuals face eight psychosocial stages throughout their lifespan, each marked by a specific crisis or challenge. These stages represent key developmental tasks and involve the growth of identity, relationships, and purpose.

This stage is characterized by the individual's struggle to make sense of their life and reconcile their accomplishments with their values and beliefs. They reflect on their contributions to society and strive to find meaning in their life experiences.

This stage focuses on individuals trying to establish a sense of self and purpose, often through experimenting with different roles and identities. This process often involves questioning traditional values and exploring new perspectives.

Freud's psychosexual theory suggests that individuals go through five stages of development, each focusing on a specific erogenous zone. These stages involve distinct drives and desires, influencing personality development.

According to Freud, the oral stage focuses on the infant's pleasure derived from sucking and mouthing. This stage lays the foundation for trust and attachment.

The instinctive part of us, driven by desires and seeking immediate gratification.

The part of us that mediates between the Id's desires and the real world, using reason and logic.

The moral compass, influenced by society and upbringing, guiding us towards what's considered right and wrong.

A part of the body that is sensitive to pleasurable stimulation, like the mouth in the oral stage.

Freud believed that a person's libido, or sexual energy, can get stuck in a particular stage of development.

Freud's theory of psychosexual development suggests that a person's libido focuses on different erogenous zones throughout childhood.

In the Oral Stage, if a baby's needs weren't properly met, they might develop negative personality traits as adults.

Freud believed that early childhood experiences can have a significant impact on personality development.

Freud's second stage of psychosexual development, happening between 18 months and three years, where the child derives pleasure from controlling and releasing their bowels.

A fixation occurring during the anal stage, where the child struggles with toilet training, resulting in personality traits like excessive tidiness, stubbornness, or a need for control.

Freud's third stage of psychosexual development, spanning ages three to six, where the child's libido focuses on their genitals as the primary source of pleasure.

A complex of emotions, including erotic attraction, rivalry, jealousy, resentment, and fear, experienced by children during the phallic stage, particularly boys.

A complex of emotions, including erotic attraction, rivalry, jealousy, resentment, and fear, experienced by children during the phallic stage, particularly girls.

The process of resolving conflict during the phallic stage by children adopting characteristics and values of their same-sex parent.

A personality type characterized by the continuation of oral needs into adulthood, often manifesting as excessive eating, smoking, nail-biting, or talkativeness.

Freud believed overfed or overly gratified children could develop this personality type, characterized by optimism, gullibility, and admiration.

A defense mechanism where a person channels their aggressive impulses into socially acceptable activities, like sports.

A subconscious defense mechanism where unpleasant thoughts or memories are pushed out of conscious awareness.

A defense mechanism where a person consciously chooses to block out unwanted thoughts or impulses.

Erik Erikson's theory proposes that human development occurs in eight stages, each marked by a specific crisis or challenge that must be resolved to advance to the next stage.

The second stage of Erikson's theory, occurring during toddlerhood (1-3 years). Children attempt to assert their independence and develop a sense of autonomy. If they are unsuccessful, they may experience shame and doubt.

Erikson's theory emphasizes that development is a lifelong journey, not limited to childhood. Each stage builds upon the previous one, and individuals continue to develop throughout their lives.

Erikson's theory highlights the importance of social interactions in shaping individual development. Each stage involves a conflict that arises from the individual's interaction with the social world.

Erikson's work emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of social and cultural contexts on individual development. This led to further research on the influence of social environments on identity formation and personal growth.

Erikson was vague about the specific experiences required for successful stage completion. He focused on providing a framework for understanding development rather than precise details.