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Eriksons Psychological Theory vs.
Piagets Cognitive Developmental
Theory
Comparisons
Eriksons Autonomy versus shame and doubt (Anal) stage, which occurs at 1-3 years of
age, is similar to Piagets sensorimotor stage, which occurs from birth-2 years of age.
Infants are encouraged to use their mental and motor skills and to solve problems in both of these
stages. They are encouraged to play with toys, listen to music, and make their own free choices. They
are making decisions for themselves in order to learn and improve their motor skills.
Eriksons Initiative versus guilt (Phallic) stage, which occurs at 3-6 years of age, is similar
to Piagets preoperational stage, which occurs at 2-7 years of age.
In both stages preschool aged children are participating in make-believe play. They are using symbols,
developing language, and figuring out the kind of person they can become.
Eriksons Identity versus role confusion (Genital) stage, which occurs during adolescence,
is similar to Piagets Formal operational stage, which occurs from the age of 11 and on.
In both stages, adolescents are doing a lot of thinking. They try to answer complex questions about
themselves.
Both theories focus a lot on the idea that the personality of a person continues to develop
over the course of their lifetime.
Differences
Erikson Psychosocial Theory
The first stage ends at one year
old
Adolescents focus on
independence in decision-making,
relationships, etc.
Originated from research and
observations
Bases Theory on social setting
A person must go through all
stages in order for development to
occur
Piagets Cognitive-Development
Theory
The first stage ends at two
years old
Adolescents are rational beings
with rational thoughts
Originated from experience
Bases Theory on assumptions
A person may not always go
through all the stages it does
not matter
The impact of these theories in
the field of Child Development
Impacts of Eriksons
Theory
Inspired a wealth of research on
many aspects of emotional and
social development including
infant-care giver attachment.
(Berk,13)
It placed significant value on the
comprehension of an individuals
life history.

Video of Eriksons stages 1-5:

https://youtu.be/grSxCdtLl38
The impact of these theories in
the field of Child Development
Impacts of Piagets
Theory
His stages have sparked a wealth of
research on childrens conceptions of
themselves (Berk, 16)
Because of this theory, there was a
development of educational
philosophies that concentrated on
discovery learning and direct contact
with the environment.
Children were seen as active learners
whose minds consist of rich structures
of knowledge.
Reflection
With this information, as future educators, we
can better understand children and the stages
they are going through and will go through.
These theories help us understand that these
children will continue to develop their own
personality as they continue to grow. This will
help us interact with students individually and
help us connect with them when we think of
them as individuals.
The D.A.R.N Theory
A child who forms a reciprocal relationship
with its parents and has a secure attachment
to them becomes more independent through
the process of transitioning.
Support for the D.A.R.N
Theory
In the formation of a reciprocal relationship, separation protest declines.
(Berk, 151) A child begins to predict the return of their parent. This helps a
child become more independent as they are now aware of their parents
return.

In the process of transitioning in the Oedipal stage, there is loosening of the

ties to the mother of vulnerability, dependence and intimacy. This is a natural
part of the child becoming more independent (http://changingminds.org)

Children who form a secure attachment with at least one parent tend to
develop a stronger self esteem and more independence as they grow up.
They tend to have healthier social lives and experience less conditions like
depression and anxiety. A child who is able to develop these relationships
with their parents is able to become more independent.
Summary
Both theories explore childrens progressive mental and cognitive development
from infancy to adulthood. Although the stages differ in how the child develops,
both theories reference research of how the child escalates in their level of
thinking from building relationships, to finding independence, to learning rules,
and building their own identity.

The D.A.R.N theory focuses on the relationship between child and parent and the
effect that it has on the childs later outcome of how they perceive future
relationships with both colleagues and loved ones. Through strong
communication, the child learns to build a strong bond of trust with his/her
parents. Furthermore, the theory explains that as the child ages, they becomes
essentially close to one parent and as time progresses, the child slowly becomes
increasingly independent of the mother. The proper parental bonds allow the child
to form positive relationships and increase the childs self-esteem.
References
Berk, Laura E. Exploring Lifespan Development. 2nd ed. Boston, MA:
Allyn & Bacon, 2010. Print.

Oedipus Complex. Changing Minds. Web. 13 Dec. 2015.<

http://
changingminds.org/disciplines/psychoanalysis/concepts/
oedipus_complex.htm>.

"Phenomenological Psychology." Phenomenological Psychology RSS.

Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://phenomenologicalpsychology.com/
2009/07/comparison-of-piagets-and-eriksons-stages-of-childhood-
development/>.