Comparison of Ericson and Freud on Guilt, Essay Example

Sigmund Freud discussed guilt in the context of his tri-partite model of personality. He saw conscience as a super ego that is enforced by the parents. Guilt is subsequently a tension that results. It is considered by Freud to be an internal substitute for the external punishment from a parent or society. ” Sigmund Freud pointed out that civilization is only made possible by individual renouncement’s, including the renouncement of violence. Violent individuals, however, often experience no guilt about a violent act nor do they have an empathic connection with their victim”  (Leon Hoffman).

Erik Ericson looked at development of the human being in a number of stages. The concept of guilt being the third stage of development.  Children ask questions as they begin to grow and this is part of their natural development process.  If the parent responds negatively during this time it can have damaging impact later in life ” If the parents treat the child’s questions as trivial, a nuisance or embarrassing or other aspects of their behaviour as threatening then the child may have feelings of guilt for “being a nuisance”. Too much guilt can make the child slow to interact with others and may inhibit their creativity.” (Simply psychology).  Freud stated we need guilt in the assimilation of moral values.  The concept of knowing shame and remorse for a bad deed that you assume responsibility for.  Equally the fear of punishment for such deeds.

Works Cited

Leon Hoffman, M.D. What we’ve learned from Sigmund Freud about Guilt, Apathy, and Violence . 2010. 24 4 2010 <http://www.apsa.org/Programs/Education_Initiative/Pre-college/Guilt_Apathy_and_Violence.aspx>.

Simply psychology. Erik Erikson. 2010. 24 4 2010 <http://www.simplypsychology.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Erik-Erikson.html>.