The stages of psychosexual development, as proposed by Sigmund Freud, are a central concept in the understanding of human psychological and sexual growth. According to Freud, the human personality passes through five distinct stages, each marked by conflicts that must be resolved in order for the individual to develop normally. These stages are the Oral stage, Anal stage, Phallic stage, Latency stage, and Genital stage.
Oral stage
The first stage of psychosexual development begins at birth and lasts until approximately 18 months of age. During this stage, the focus is primarily on oral pleasures, particularly the infant's pleasure centers on the mouth. Infants receive tactile pleasure from biting and sucking, which helps to reduce tension. A successful resolution of the Oral stage is indicated by an appropriate amount of oral engagement and a lack of dental caries, which may suggest overindulgence in this stage.
Anal stage
From ages one to three years of age, the Anal stage marks a shift in the focus from the mouth to the anus. Infants learn to control their bowels and develop a sense of toiletry. Success in this stage is indicated by the emergence of regular bowel movements, good hygiene habits, and a positive attitude towards personal cleanliness. An anal fixation during this stage can result in obsessions with cleanliness and perfectionism.
Phallic stage
The Phallic stage, which occurs between the ages of three to six, is the stage where boys develop unconscious sexual desires for their mothers, while girls develop a similar attraction to their fathers. Freud described the Oedipus complex in boys and the Electra complex in girls, as scenarios where children experience intense conflicts and emotions due to their intense attraction to their opposite-sex parents. Successful resolution of this stage is crucial for the development of a healthy gender identity and the formation of a solid sense of self.
Latency stage
From six to puberty, the Latency stage involves the repression of sexual urges and the focus on developing non-sexual social skills and hobbies. This stage is crucial for the reduction of anxiety over unresolved sexual tensions from earlier stages. A child who resolves conflicts during the latency stage is likely to have a greater sense of self-esteem and competence in social situations.
Genital stage
The final stage of psychosexual development begins at the start of puberty and continues into adulthood. During this stage, sexual drives reawaken, and adolescents become interested in forming romantic relationships. Success in this stage is evident in the development of a healthy sexual relationship and the acquisition of a sense of intimacy.
Overall, the stages of psychosexual development serve as a framework for understanding the psychological and sexual growth of individuals. The resolution of conflicts during each stage is essential for the development of a healthy, balanced personality. Failure to address these conflicts can lead to.fixations which can have significant impacts on adult behavior, possibly leading to sexual deviations or other psychological issues.
