Learning Objectives  In this lesson, you will learn to summarize the history of psychoanalytic theory.  Describe two of the major psychoanalytic theories.  Identify different stages of development.  Explain the differences between Freud's theory and Erikson's theory.

Psychoanalytic Theories of Development  Psychoanalytic theory originated with the work of Sigmund Freud. Through his clinical work with patients suffering from mental illness, Freud came to believe that childhood experiences and unconscious desires influenced behavior. Based on his observations, he developed a theory that described development in terms of a series of psychosexual stages. According to Freud, conflicts that occur during each of these stages can have a lifelong influence on personality and behavior. Psychoanalytic theorySigmund Freudclinical workfrom mental illnessunconscious desiresdevelopment in termsof a series of psychosexual stages

 Psychoanalytic theory was an enormously influential force during the first half of the twentieth century. Those inspired and influenced by Freud went on to expand upon Freud's ideas and develop theories of their own. Of these neo-Freudians, Erik Erikson's ideas have become perhaps the best known. Erikson's eight-stage theory of psychosocial development describes growth and change throughout the lifespan, focusing on social interaction and conflicts that arise during different stages of development.Erik Erikson'seight-stage theory of psychosocial development

Examples of psychoanalytic theory include:  April broke up with Adam, and three months later went on a date with Mark. While at the restaurant, April accidentally called Adam by Mark’s name. While this could have just been a simple accident, psychoanalytic theory says that there is a deeper reason for April’s slip – for example, she still has feelings for Mark and her mind is on him, and therefore she called her new date by her old boyfriend Mark’s name.

 Mary’s therapist believes that Mary’s current relationship difficulties stem from the unstable relationship she had with her father while growing up.

 Every time the vehicle she is riding in stops suddenly, Mrs. Smith panics. She thinks this is because she was in a car accident when she was a child, and in each new situation the fear of another accident crashes over her like a wave.