Psychoanalytical theory and psychosexual theory are both foundational concepts in psychology, but they emphasize different aspects of human behavior and development.
Psychoanalytical theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, is a broader framework for understanding the unconscious mind. It focuses on the roles of unconscious processes, repressed thoughts, and internal conflicts in shaping personality and behavior. According to this theory, human behavior is largely influenced by unconscious motives, and issues in early childhood can have lasting effects on adult personality.
On the other hand, psychosexual theory is a subset of psychoanalytical theory, also formulated by Freud. This theory specifically addresses the sexual development of children, proposing that individuals pass through a series of stages (oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital). Each stage is characterized by specific conflicts that must be resolved for healthy psychological development. If these conflicts are not adequately resolved, Freud suggested that individuals might develop fixations that could manifest in adulthood as neuroses or dysfunctional behaviors.
In summary, while psychoanalytical theory offers a comprehensive view of the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior, psychosexual theory narrows the focus to the stages of sexual development in early childhood and their impact on later life. Both theories, however, highlight the significant role of early experiences in shaping personality and behavior.