Part 2 on Psychoanalytic Theory - Freud and
Erikson:
Of all the child development theories, psychoanalytic
theory provides one of the most comprehensive pictures of the psychological
forces that drive early learning and personality formation. While often
controversial, psychoanalytic insights can inform parenting approaches in
meaningful ways. In this article, we will explore psychoanalytic theory through
two influential thinkers - Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson.
Sigmund Freud: Psychosexual Stages Freud proposed one of
the first theories of child development. He believed personality and sexual
identity form through a series of psychosexual stages from birth to age 5. At
each stage, pleasure focuses on a specific erogenous zone. Conflicts arise when
needs are not met, resulting in fixation at that stage.
Oral Stage (0-1 year): In the oral stage, babies explore
the world through the mouth. Sucking and feeding satisfy their needs. Fixation
can occur if needs are over- or under-indulged, causing lifelong issues with
dependency or aggression.
Anal Stage (1-3 years): As bowel control develops, toddlers
derive pleasure from eliminating or withholding feces. Struggles over control
can lead to domineering or disorganized personality traits.
Phallic Stage (3-6 years): The phallic stage brings an
awareness of genitals and the Oedipus/Electra complex. Children feel attraction
to the opposite-sex parent and jealousy of the same-sex parent. Fixation can
cause boys to become counterdependent or girls to internalize gender
inferiority.
Latency Period (6-puberty): Sexual energy is suppressed to
focus on intellectual, social and skills development. Freud believed lasting
personality traits solidify here.
Genital Stage (puberty on): Mature sexual interests
reawaken during adolescence. Healthy development leads to well-adjusted adult
personalities.
Freud also proposed three elements of the psyche:
Id - Primal impulses for food, sex, and self-preservation.
Ego - Rational thinking that mediates between the id and
superego.
Superego - Moral standards imparted by society and parents.
Personality forms through negotiating desires of the id,
social rules of the superego, and reality testing of the ego.
Parents can apply psychoanalytic principles by providing
patient, consistent care and bonding in the early years to build trust and
security. Setting age-appropriate limits helps strengthen the ego. Explaining
societal rules calmly develops the superego.
Erik Erikson: Psychosocial Stages Erikson expanded on
Freud's ideas by outlining 8 psychosocial stages from infancy through
adulthood. Each involves a crisis between internal needs and social
expectations:
Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1 year) - Infants develop basic trust
when caregivers provide reliability, care, and affection.
Autonomy vs. Shame (1-3 years) - Toddlers establish
independence through self-control without loss of self-esteem.
Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6 years) - Preschoolers demonstrate
curiosity, leadership and purposefulness without feeling anxious or guilty over
desires.
Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years) - Children gain
competence through skills without feeling inadequate.
Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years) - Teens forge
self-identity and avoid confusion over their role.
Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-40 years) - Young adults form
intimate relationships without isolating themselves.
Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65 years) - Middle-aged
adults contribute to society and guide younger generations.
Ego Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years) - Seniors reflect on
life with a sense of satisfaction not regret.
Positive resolution of each stage's crisis leads to healthy
personality development. Parents can apply Erikson's theory by understanding
the conflicts appropriate for their child's age and helping them successfully
resolve each crisis through supportive guidance. Providing a warm, empathetic
environment allows children to progress through the stages with confidence.
Psychoanalytic theories offer thought-provoking frameworks
for conceptualizing the inner forces guiding development. While some aspects
are controversial, Erikson and Freud pioneered the view of childhood as a
series of phases, each with particular needs and vulnerabilities. Their
insights provide a foundation for responsive parenting that attends to the
evolving psychological needs of children. Reflecting on how to apply
psychoanalytic principles can enrich parents’ understanding as we nurture our
kids through each stage of the journey.
