Freud's Psychosexual Development: Oral & Anal Stages

• Sigmund Freud's theory outlines stages of psychosexual development.

Oral Stage

• It is the first stage in the theory of psychosexual development.
• The oral stage occurs from birth until roughly 18 months old.
• During this stage, a baby's libido focuses on the mouth for pleasure-seeking.

Oral Fixation

• Being underfed or frustrated during feeding may lead to someone becoming pessimistic, envious, and suspicious.
• Being overfed or overly gratified during feeding can cause someone to be optimistic, gullible, and full of admiration.
• Oral behaviors have links to specific personality types in adulthood.

Anal Stage

• It is the second stage in Freud's psychosexual development theory.
• The anal stage occurs between 1 to 3 years.
• A child's primary focus is on controlling bowel movements and toilet training during this stage.
• Parental handling of this phase influences a child's future personality and behavior.

Anal Fixation

• Parental approach to toilet training can lead to two outcomes.
• Anal-retentive personality develops when toilet training is too strict or highly disciplined.
• As a result, the child will learn to hold in their feces to avoid punishment or disapproval.
• Anal-expulsive personality develops when toilet training is too lenient or lacking structure.
• The child may not learn proper self-control and becomes careless as a result.

Phallic Stage

• The phallic stage, from ages three to six, is the third phase.
• It is marked by the child's libido focusing on their genitals as the primary source of pleasure.
• At this stage, children become increasingly aware of their bodies and genitals, as well as those of the opposite sex.
• Understanding anatomical sex differences begins to form and sparks a complex mixture of emotions (erotic attraction, rivalry, jealousy, resentment, fear).
• The Oedipus complex is the emotions in boys.
• The Electra complex is the emotions in girls.
• This period resolves through children adopting the characteristics of their same-sex parent.

Phallic Stage Fixation

• In men, phallic fixation might result in anxiety about sexual performance.
• It can result in the need for reassurance and validation, or a tendency to be overly assertive or aggressive.
• In women, fixation at the phallic stage could lead to a desire to dominate men, a rivalry with other women, or the need for male attention or approval.

Phallic Stage (Oedipus Complex)

• The most important aspect of the phallic stage is the Oedipus complex.
• It is one of Freud's most controversial ideas.
• The name of the Oedipus complex derives from the Greek myth where Oedipus kills his father and marries his mother.
• After discovering his actions (killing his father and marrying his mother), Oedipus pokes his eyes out and becomes blind.
• Oedipal is the generic term for both Oedipus and Electra complexes.

Latency Stage (6 Years to Puberty)

• This period is marked by relative calm.
• Sexual impulses are dormant or repressed.
• The child focuses on developing cognitive and social skills, making friends, and acquiring knowledge.
• This stage is crucial for the development of self-confidence and social relationships.
• There is less emphasis on sexual development at this time.

Latency Stage Fixation

• Problems with peer relationships may occur
• Excessive focus on intellectual or achievement pursuits is possible.
• Social isolation or emotional issues can arise.

Genital Stage (Puberty to Adulthood)

• Psychosexual development begins at puberty when sexual desires re-emerge.
• The focus shifts back to the genital area.
• Individuals develop a mature sexual identity.
• Successfully resolving earlier stages would lead to the ability to form healthy, balanced romantic and social relationships.
• If earlier stages were not properly resolved, it could result in issues with intimacy and sexual relationships in adulthood.

Genital Stage Fixation

• Difficulty forming intimate relationships can happen.
• Sexual immaturity is a possible effect.
• Unresolved sexual issues may arise.
• Unstable romantic relationships can occur.
• Need for external validation is possible
• Excessive sexual behavior or repression is possible.