Theories of Sigmund Freud and John Bowlby

This paper explores the theories of Sigmund Freud and John Bowlby. It will discuss which theorist I agree with the most and why.

Freud's theory of psychosexual development is one of the best-known theories in psychology. Freud believed that personality developed through a series of stages, each characterized by a different erogenous zone. According to Freud, the first stage, the oral stage, occurs from birth to around 18 months. During this stage, the focus of pleasure is the mouth.

The second stage, the anal stage, occurs from around 18 months to three years. During this stage, the focus of pleasure is the anus. The third stage, the phallic stage, occurs from around three to six years. during this stage, the focus of pleasure is on the genitals.

The fourth stage in Freud's psychosexual theory is the latent stage. This is when a child's sexual energy is redirected into other activities, such as school and hobbies. According to Freud, this redirecting of sexual energy can lead to neurosis, which is a mental or emotional disorder.

John Bowlby's theory of attachment is also well-known. Bowlby believed that infants are born with a need to be close to their caregivers. This need is based on the infant's need for food, warmth, and protection. Bowlby believed that infants develop attachments to specific people, such as their mothers. These attachments are important because they provide security and comfort.

I agree with Freud's theory of psychosexual development more than I agree with Bowlby's theory of attachment. I think that Freud's theory makes more sense when it comes to the development of personality. I also think that Freud's theory explains why people tend to be attracted to certain types of people. For example, someone who was neglected during the oral stage might be attracted to someone who is very nurturing. Freud's theory also explains why people might have certain types of sexual fantasies.

Overall, I think that Freud's theory is more comprehensive and better explains human behaviour than Bowlby's theory.