Psychosexual Development Theory

• Sigmund Freud developed the Psychosexual Development Theory.

Sigmund Freud

• Graduated from medical school in 1881 at the University of Vienna.
• Specialized in neurology.
• Originated the treatment of mental illness.
• Focused on the unconscious mind, childhood experiences, and sexual development.
• Believed developmental stages are based on Psychosexual Energy (Libido).
• Proposed five stages of development, each associated with a conflict that must be resolved. -Fixation can occur if conflict is unresolved.

Psychosexual Stages of Personality Development

• Stages are applied to childhood and include five main tasks.
• Oral Stage: 0-12 months -Anal Stage: 1-3 years
• Phallic Stage: 3-6 years
• Latency Stage: 7-12 years
• Genital Stage: 13-18 years

Stage 1: Oral Stage

• The first stage of psychosexual development.
• Libido is centered in the baby's mouth, satisfaction is gained through putting things in their mouth: sucking, biting, and breast feeding.
• Oral personalities may exhibit behaviors such as smoking, nail-biting, or finger-chewing.
• Key conflict is weaning off the breast/bottle.
• Oral fixation is caused by unmet oral needs in infancy and this causes a persistent need for oral stimulation and negative oral behaviors.
• Fixation issues include overeating, smoking, and dependency.

Stage 2: Anal Stage

• Libido is focused on the anal area where the child derives great pleasure from withholding fecal matter.
• Early potty training can lead to a child becoming an anal-retentive personality who is organized.
• Harsh potty training can lead to an expulsive personality, disorganized in adulthood.
• Key conflict involves learning control over bodily functions.
• Fixation issues include: -Anal Retentive: Obsessive, neat, rigid -Anal Expulsive: Messy, careless, rebellious

Stage 3: Phallic Stage

• A child's libido centers on their genitalia; primarily focused on identifying with the same-sex parent.
• Resolved through identification that involves the child adopting the characteristics of the same-sex parent.
• Successful completion leads to sexual identity.
• Failure to identify properly can lead to fixation.
• Key Conflict: Oedipus Complex (boys) / Electra Complex (girls)
• Resolution: Identification with the same-sex parent.
• Fixation Issues: Guilt, anxiety, problems in adult relationships

Stage 4: Latency Stage

• The resolution of the phallic stage occurs, the child's sexuality becomes dormant.
• Boys have identified with their father and tend to imitate him.
• The sexes often appear too segregated. Boys will tend to play with other boys, and girls will tend to play with other girls.
• Most sexual impulses are repressed, and sexual energy is redirected toward schoolwork, hobbies, and friendship.
• Key Conflict: Socialization, friendships, and learning.
• There are no major fixations.

Stage 5: Genital Stage

• A period of sexual experimentation; sexual natures are directed to heterosexual pleasure rather than self-pleasure.
• Adolescent boys turn their attention to a girlfriend, while adolescent females seek a boyfriend.
• The proper outlet of the sexual nature in adults is through heterosexual relationships.
• Key Conflict: Forming healthy romantic and sexual relationships.
• Success leads to well-adjusted adulthood.