Freud vs Erikson
Running head: MOVING FREUDIAN THEORY FORWARD
Moving Freudian Theory Forward with Erikson’s Neo-Analytical Theory
Sarah
Abstract
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MOVING FREUDIAN THEORY FORWARD
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Sigmund Freud’s Theory of psychoanalysis and psychosexual personality development and has been considered one of the most influential and controversial theories of our time. Many students of Freud did not fully embrace his theories which led to a wave of theories coined neopsychoanalytic. Neo-analytical psychology attempted to build on Freudian theory while breaking free from the constrains sexual development as a sole influence on personality. One such theorist is Erik Erikson who believed personality development was driven by a person’s interactions with their social and cultural environments. In this paper we will examine some of the key elements of these two theories and try to understand the key differences and improvements made by Erikson contributing to a more holistic view of the person.
MOVING FREUDIAN THEORY FORWARD
3
Moving Freudian Theory Forward with Erikson’s Neo-Analytical Theory
Whether you agree with Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of personality development or not there is no denying that his contribution to personality development has been one of the most significant of our time. Freud’s theory, which focused on sexual development in childhood as the foundation for personality development was considered by many as extreme during the Victorian era, which was a time when sexuality was not widely spoken of (Insight
Media, Inc, 2009). This caused a divide in the world of psychology between either followers of
Freud or non-followers. This strong emphasis on sexuality and biological bases for development were also considered dirty or pornographic by his critics (Insight Media, Inc, 2009). There were however, many theorists that followed Freud who agreed with some of his concepts, while taking a different approach to attempt to improve upon his theory. This approach is
Moving Freudian Theory Forward with Erikson’s Neo-Analytical Theory
Sarah
Abstract
1
MOVING FREUDIAN THEORY FORWARD
2
Sigmund Freud’s Theory of psychoanalysis and psychosexual personality development and has been considered one of the most influential and controversial theories of our time. Many students of Freud did not fully embrace his theories which led to a wave of theories coined neopsychoanalytic. Neo-analytical psychology attempted to build on Freudian theory while breaking free from the constrains sexual development as a sole influence on personality. One such theorist is Erik Erikson who believed personality development was driven by a person’s interactions with their social and cultural environments. In this paper we will examine some of the key elements of these two theories and try to understand the key differences and improvements made by Erikson contributing to a more holistic view of the person.
MOVING FREUDIAN THEORY FORWARD
3
Moving Freudian Theory Forward with Erikson’s Neo-Analytical Theory
Whether you agree with Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of personality development or not there is no denying that his contribution to personality development has been one of the most significant of our time. Freud’s theory, which focused on sexual development in childhood as the foundation for personality development was considered by many as extreme during the Victorian era, which was a time when sexuality was not widely spoken of (Insight
Media, Inc, 2009). This caused a divide in the world of psychology between either followers of
Freud or non-followers. This strong emphasis on sexuality and biological bases for development were also considered dirty or pornographic by his critics (Insight Media, Inc, 2009). There were however, many theorists that followed Freud who agreed with some of his concepts, while taking a different approach to attempt to improve upon his theory. This approach is
References: Atalay, M. (2007). Psychology of crisis: an overall account of the psychology of Erikson. Ekev Academic Review, 11(33), 15-34. Boeree, C.G. (2006).Erik Erikson. Personality Theories. Retrieved from: http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/erikson.html Boeree, C.G. (2009).Sigmund Freud. Personality Theories. Retrieved from: http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/freud.html Friedman, H.S. & Schustack, M. W. (2012). Personality: Classic Theories and Modern Research Hoare. C. (2005). Erikson 's general and adult developmental revisions of Freudian thought: “Outward, Forward, Upward” Insight Media, Inc. (2009). Neo-analytic in Personality Disorders. New York, NY: Jamie Dyce Insight Media, Inc Review of 'Three contributions to the theory of sex '. (1917). Psychological Bulletin, 14(9), 324326. doi: 10.1037/h0066109