MAJOR
THEORIES IN
PSYCHIATRIC
NURSING
Presented by F.S. Abdulhamid, RN, MAN
PSYCHOANALYTIC
THEORY
Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic theory revolutionized our
understanding of the human mind, proposing that
unconscious processes play a significant role in shaping
our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Freud's model of personality consists of three interconnected systems:
The Id: The most primitive part of the psyche, driven by the pleasure principle,
seeking immediate gratification of basic instincts and desires, such as hunger,
sex, and aggression. It operates unconsciously, without regard for reality or
consequences.
The Ego: Develops from the id and operates on the reality principle, mediating
between the id's desires and the constraints of the external world. It makes
decisions that are realistic and socially acceptable, balancing the id's demands
with the need for survival and social harmony.
The Superego : Represents internalized moral standards and ideals, often
referred to as our conscience. It develops as children learn societal rules and
values, often through parental influence. The superego strives for perfection,
guiding us to behave in ways that align with moral and ethical standards.
PSYCHOSEXUAL
STAGES
Freud also believed that human development occurs in
distinct psychosexual stages, each centered around a
particular erogenous zone (an area of the body that
provides pleasure). How individuals navigate these stages
—both the satisfaction and frustration of desires—was
thought to shape their personality5.
The Stages
Oral stage (0–1 year): Pleasure centers on the mouth. Fixations here can lead
to issues like smoking or overeating later in life5.
Anal stage (1–3 years): Focus shifts to the anus, where the child learns
control. Problems here might manifest as either excessive orderliness or
messiness in adulthood5.
Phallic stage (3–6 years): The focus is on the genital area, and Freud believed
children develop unconscious sexual desires for the opposite-sex parent (the
Oedipus complex for boys and the Electra complex for girls)5.
Latency stage (6–12 years): Sexual impulses are dormant, and children focus
on developing social and intellectual skills5.
Genital stage (12+ years): Maturation of sexual interests and the development
of mature relationships5.
PSYCHOSOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT THEORY
Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory proposes that
individuals progress through eight distinct stages throughout their
lifespan, each marked by a unique psychosocial crisis or
challenge. Successfully resolving these crises leads to the
development of key virtues and a healthy personality, while failure
can result in psychological setbacks and difficulties in later stages.
The Eight Stages:
1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy, 0-1 year): Infants learn to trust their caregivers based on the
consistency and reliability of their care. Success leads to the virtue of hope.
2.Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood, 2-3 years): Toddlers develop a sense of
personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. Success fosters autonomy,
while failure results in feelings of shame and self-doubt. The virtue developed is will.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 3-5 years): Children begin to assert their power and control
over the world through social interactions and play. Success cultivates initiative, while failure
leads to feelings of guilt. The virtue is purpose.
4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age, 6-11 years): Children develop a sense of competence
by mastering new skills and knowledge in school and social settings. Success fosters industry,
while failure can lead to feelings of inferiority. The virtue is competence.
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12-18 years): Adolescents explore their
identity and develop a sense of self. Success leads to a strong sense of identity, while
failure results in role confusion and uncertainty about the future. The virtue is fidelity.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood, 19-40 years): Young adults form intimate
relationships and build strong bonds with others. Success fosters intimacy, while
failure leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The virtue is love.
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40-65 years): Adults focus on
contributing to society and guiding the next generation. Success leads to a sense of
generativity, while failure results in feelings of stagnation and unproductivity. The
virtue is care.
8. Integrity vs. Despair (Maturity, 65+ years): Older adults reflect on their life and find
meaning and fulfillment. Success leads to a sense of integrity, while failure results in
despair and regret. The virtue is wisdom.
