Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Freud's and Erikson's theories of development differ significantly in their focus on the motivations behind human behavior and the nature of developmental stages. Freud emphasized sexual stages as the primary drivers of psychological development, asserting that early experiences related to sexuality and the management of sexual urges heavily influence personality and behavior throughout life. He proposed that individuals go through distinct stages—oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital—in which sexual drives manifest in various forms.

In contrast, Erikson emphasized social stages of development, highlighting the impact of social relationships and cultural influences on a person's growth. He proposed a series of eight stages that encompass a person's entire life, focusing on the psychosocial conflicts that arise as individuals navigate their social world. Each stage is characterized by a specific challenge or crisis that must be resolved to develop a healthy personality and social skills.

By framing his theory around social interactions and ethical development rather than just biological drives, Erikson took a more holistic approach that acknowledges the significance of community and relationships throughout the lifespan. Therefore, the distinction between Freud's sexual stages and Erikson's emphasis on social stages captures a fundamental difference in their theories.