Fall 2010

Comparison Of Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg Theories

Approximate Age Freud (Psychosexual) Erikson* (Psychosocial) Piaget (Cognitive)
Kohlberg (Moral)
Ranges
Birth to 2 Years Oral Stage Trust vs. Mistrust Sensorimotor Period
No Moral Development
Infancy The mouth, tongue, and Babies learn either to trust Most action is reflexive.
gums are the focus of that others will care for Perception of events is
pleasurable sensations in their basic needs, including centered on the body.
the babys body, and nourishment, warmth, Objects are extensions of
feeding is the most cleanliness, and physical self. Acknowledges the
stimulating activity. contact, or to lack external environment.
confidence in the care of
others.
1 -3 Years Anal Stage Autonomy vs. Shame and Preconceptual
No Moral Development
Toddler The anus is the focus of Doubt Self-centered. Asks many
pleasurable sensations in Children learn either to be questions. Explores the
the babys body, and toilet self-sufficient in many environment. Language
training is the most activities, including development rapid.
important activity. toileting, feeding, walking, Associates words with
exploring, and talking or the objects.
doubt their own abilities.
3-6 Years Phallic Stage Initiative vs. Guilt Preoperational Preconventional
Early Childhood The phallus, or penis, is the Children want to undertake Egocentric thinking Morality is a matter of good
(Preschool) most important body part, many adult-like activities, diminishes. Includes others or bad, based on a system of
and pleasure is derived from sometimes overstepping the in environment. Enjoys punishments.
genital stimulation. Boys limits set by parents and repeating words, may count 1. Punishment and
are proud of their penis, and feeling guilty. to 10. Words express obedience orientation.
girls wonder why they thoughts. 2. Instrumental relativist
dont have one. (Oedipal orientation
Conflict)
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Fall 2010

Comparison Of Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg Theories

Approximate Age Freud (Psychosexual) Erikson* (Psychosocial) Piaget (Cognitive)
Kohlberg (Moral)
Ranges
7-11 Years Latency Industry vs. Inferiority Concrete Operations Conventional Level
Middle Childhood Not a stage but an interlude, Children busily learn to be Solves concrete problems. Morality seen as following
when sexual needs are quiet competent and productive Begins to understand the rules of society. Tries to
and children put psychic in mastering new skills, or relationships such as size. be good.
energy into conventional feel inferior an unable to do Understands right and left. 1. Good boy, good girl.
activities like schoolwork anything well. Cognizant of viewpoints. 2. Law - and - order
and sports. orientation.
12-18 Years Genital Stage Identity vs. Role Formal Operations Postconventional
Adolescence The genitals are the focus of Confusion Uses rational thinking. Morality consists of
pleasurable sensations, and Adolescents try to figure Reasoning is deductive and standards beyond specific
the young person seeks out Who am I? They futuristic. group or authority figure.
sexual stimulation and establish sexual, political, 1. The social contract
sexual satisfaction in and career identities or are orientation.
heterosexual relationships. confused about what roles 2. The universal ethical
to play. principle orientation.
3. Mystical and religious
reflection.
18-40 Years Freud believed that the Intimacy vs. Isolation
Adulthood genital stage lasts Young adults seek
throughout adulthood. He companionship and love
also said that the goal of a with another person or
healthy life is to love and become isolated from others
to work well. by fearing refection or
disappointment.
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Fall 2010

Comparison Of Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg Theories

Approximate Age Freud (Psychosexual) Erikson* (Psychosocial) Piaget (Cognitive)
Kohlberg (Moral)
Ranges
40-65 Years Generativity vs.
Middle Years Stagnation
Middle-aged adults
contribute to the next
generation by performing
meaningful work, creative
activities, and/or raising a
family, or become stagnant
and inactive.
65 - Years Integrity vs. Despair
Late Adulthood Older adults try to make
sense out of their lives,
whether seeing life as a
meaningful whole or
despairing at goals never
reached and questions never
answered.
*Although Erikson describes two extreme resolutions to each crisis, he recognizes that there is a wide range of outcomes between these extremes
and that most people arrive at some middle course.
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