Freud’s psychosexual theory and Erikson’s psychosocial theory share some similares, and some key differences.
•Generally, Freud’s theory is discredited, as it cannot be tested.
-Erickson (like Freud), recognized the importance of the unconscious on development.
-He also believed that personality develops in a series of predetermined stages.
-Unlike Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages, Erikson’s theory describes the impact of social experience across the whole lifespan.