Sigmund Freud’s Stages of Development and Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts from Freud's Stages of Development and Erikson's Psychosocial Stages.

Infantile Period

The first stage in Freud's psychosexual development, lasting from birth to approximately 5 years.

Oral Phase

The first phase of infantile development, where the mouth is the primary erogenous zone.

Anal Phase

The second phase of development focused on pleasure derived from defecation, occurring generally from 1 to 3 years.

Phallic Phase

The third phase of psychosexual development, where the child’s libido is focused on their genitals.

Latency Period

A stage where the libido is dormant; focuses on social relationships and educational pursuits.

Genital Period

The final stage of psychosexual development, beginning at puberty, where sexual interest re-emerges.

Oedipus Complex

A boy's feelings of rivalry toward his father and incestuous feelings toward his mother.

Electra Complex

A girl's feelings of rivalry toward her mother and incestuous feelings toward her father.

Anal-retentive Personality

A personality type characterized by obsessiveness with tidiness and authority; results from harsh potty training.

Anal-repulsive Personality

A personality type that is messy and rebellious, associated with an overly lenient toilet training.

Fixation

A persistent focus on an earlier psychosexual stage when conflicts are unresolved.

Regression

Reverting to an earlier stage of development in response to stress or anxiety.

Projection

Attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or impulses to another person.

Displacement

Transferring emotions from one person to another unrelated target.

Sublimation

Redirecting sexual urges into socially acceptable activities or creative pursuits.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erikson’s first stage, where infants learn to trust their caregivers.

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

Erikson's second stage, where toddlers learn to act independently.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erikson’s third stage, where preschoolers assert their power through directing play and social interactions.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson's fourth stage, where children learn to cope with new social and academic demands.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson's fifth stage, where adolescents explore their independence and develop a sense of self.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's sixth stage, where young adults form intimate, loving relationships.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's seventh stage, where adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson's eighth stage, where reflecting on life leads to either a sense of fulfillment or regret.

Self-worth

The value an individual places on themselves; closely related to self-esteem.

Self-image

The mental representation of oneself, shaped by experiences and interactions.

Ideal Self

The person one aspires to be; an idealized version of oneself.

Erogenous Zones

Areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to stimulation and relate to an individual’s sexual development.

Libido

The energy associated with psychological drives and pleasure, often linked to sexual desire.

Creative Accomplishments

Outputs in arts, music, or literature that are products of sublimated energy.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image.

Conflict

The psychological struggle resulting from the opposition of different emotional needs or impulses.

Basic Strength

The ability or virtue developed through successfully resolving conflicts at different life stages.

Social Relationships

Connections formed with others which influence personal growth and development.

Child-rearing Practices

Parenting methods that are influenced by societal values and norms.

Anxiety

A feeling of worry or unease, often correlated with unresolved psychosexual conflicts.

Emotional Problems

Challenges in regulating emotional responses that can stem from fixation or unresolved stages.

Cultural Influences

The impact that society and its values have on individual personality development.

Supportive Environment

A nurturing atmosphere that fosters independence and personal growth during development.

Constructive Feedback

Guidance aimed at helping an individual improve and gain confidence in their abilities.

Resolution of Conflicts

The process of effectively managing and overcoming psychological challenges during development.

Hope

The virtue gained from successfully navigating the Trust vs. Mistrust stage.

Will

The virtue gained from succeeding in the Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt stage.

Purpose

The virtue gained from thriving in the Initiative vs. Guilt stage.

Competence

The virtue gained from overcoming challenges in the Industry vs. Inferiority stage.

Fidelity

The virtue gained from navigating Identity vs. Role Confusion successfully.

Love

The virtue gained from achieving intimacy in relationships during the Intimacy vs. Isolation stage.

Care

The virtue acquired by effectively managing Generativity vs. Stagnation.

Wisdom

The virtue achieved through reflecting on and accepting life experiences in Ego Integrity vs. Despair.