The Importance of Early Childh

An In-Depth Look at the Theories of Freud and Erikson

The assumption that early childhood experience is important in terms of later development is reflected in the ideas of Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson. Freud and Erikson both believe that stable personality patterns begin in childhood and that early childhood experiences play an important role in terms of a child’s personality development (Western, 1998). The ideas of both theorists are based in psychoanalytic theory and each of their frameworks has similarities as well as differences in terms of explaining the importance of early childhood experience.

Freud and Erikson’s frameworks are similar in that they both explain a child’s healthy later development in terms of a number of stages that a child must successfully complete in their early years. The frameworks are also similar because their stages parallel one another. Erikson’s stages correspond with Freud’s stages and each of Erikson’s stages begin and end at the same time as Freud’s. Freud’s first stage ranges from birth to a year old, as does Erikson’s first stage (Berk, 2000). Freud’s second stage ranges from a year to three years old (Berk,

Freud’s first stage of development is called the oral stage (Brown, 1976). In the oral stage, the mouth is the primary organ of pleasure (Brown, 1976). The infant’s first object of desire is the breast and the experiences that are most important to the infant in terms of future development involve sucking (Brown, 1976). According to Freud, the infant’s desire to suck must be gratified in order for the infant to continue to develop in a healthy manner (Brown, 1976).

According to Freud, a child who does not successfully complete the second stage may become stubborn and possessive in adulthood (Brown, 1976). They may view feces as a possession and relate it to other items of possession, using such terms as, “filthy rich”, and “stinking with money” (Brown, 1976). They may have an obsession with cleanliness and order (Brown, 1976). According to Erikson, the outcome is much different. A child may become a compulsive adult who refuses to be giving of their time, love, and money (Erikson, 1968). They may become cruel and have a desire to retain and restrain to gain back the sense of power that was lost (Erikson, 1968). They may also develop too much self-restraint or become meekly compliant (Erikson, 1968).

Brill, A.A. (1938). The basic writings of Sigmund Freud. New York, NY: Random House

Another assumption that Freud and Erikson share is the idea that nurture alone is responsible for a child‘s development. No mention is ever made of a child’s genetic characteristics and how they effect the types of experiences a child encounters. According to Freud, it is a mistake to view an adult in terms of heredity because they are a product of their childhood experiences (Brill, 1938). Freud and Erikson believe that parents are the number one determiner of the types of experiences a child will encounter (Brown, 1976). They believe that parents determine a number of things including a child’s future mate selection (Brown, 1976).

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