Table : TABLE 1.4 Comparing Stages: Freud and Erikson
Approximate AgeFreud (Psychosexual)Erikson (Psychosocial)
Birth to 1 year

Oral Stage

The lips, tongue, and gums are the focus of pleasurable sensations in the baby’s body, and sucking and feeding are the most stimulating activities.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Babies either trust that others will care for their basic needs, including nourishment, warmth, cleanliness, and physical contact, or develop mistrust about the care of others.

1–3 years

Anal Stage

The anus is the focus of pleasurable sensations in the baby’s body, and toilet training is the most important activity.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Children either become self-sufficient in many activities, including toileting, feeding, walking, exploring, and talking, or doubt their own abilities.

3–6 years

Phallic Stage

The phallus, or penis, is the most important body part, and pleasure is derived from genital stimulation. Boys are proud of their penises; girls wonder why they don’t have one.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Children either want to undertake many adultlike activities or internalize the limits and prohibitions set by parents. They feel either adventurous or guilty.

6–11 years

Latency

Not really a stage, latency is an interlude during which sexual needs are quiet and children put psychic energy into conventional activities like schoolwork and sports.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Children busily learn to be competent and productive in mastering new skills or feel inferior, unable to do anything as well as they wish they could.

Adolescence

Genital Stage

The genitals are the focus of pleasurable sensations, and the young person seeks sexual stimulation and sexual satisfaction in heterosexual relationships.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Adolescents try to figure out “Who am I?” They establish sexual, political, and vocational identities or are confused about what roles to play.

AdulthoodFreud believed that the genital stage lasts throughout adulthood. He also said that the goal of a healthy life is “to love and to work.”

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Young adults seek companionship and love or become isolated from others, fearing rejection and disappointment.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Middle-aged adults contribute to the next generation through meaningful work, creative activities, and raising a family, or they stagnate.

Integrity vs. Despair

Older adults try to make sense out of their lives, either seeing life as a meaningful whole or despairing at goals never reached.