According to Freud’s theory, the human consciousness has a vertical architecture that composes of three levels: Show
Freud used the Iceberg Metaphor to describe the human mind. Like an iceberg, a big chunk of our mind is beneath the surface. Freud believed that the unconscious part of our mind is a receptacle of ideas. We are not aware of this aspect of our mind, but it explains what we do what we do. The Psychosexual Stages of DevelopmentFreud proposed that we go through a series of psychosexual stages in predetermined sequence during childhood. These stages contain activities that revolve around a certain erogenous zone – an area of our body that is sensitive to stimulation. According to Freud, by successfully moving from one psychosexual stage to the next, we develop a healthy personality. Failure to resolve issues or getting stuck at any of the psychosexual stages will result in a problematic personality. Oral Stage (0–1 year old)During this psychosexual stage, a child derives pleasure from oral activities, such as sucking and tasting. Successful fulfillment of the child’s feeding needs and proper weaning will result in the establishment of trust. Too much or too little gratification can bring about an oral fixation when the child grows up and can result in addictions such as drinking alcohol, smoking, over eating, or nail biting. Anal Stage (2–3 years old)The main source of gratification for a child during this psychosexual stage is the ability to control bladder and bowel movement. A positive and appropriate experience revolving around potty training encourages a sense of competence, creativity and productivity. On the contrary, anal fixations can translate into obsession with perfection, extreme cleanliness, and control or the opposite which is messiness and disorganization in adulthood. Phallic Stage (3–6 years old)During this psychosexual stage, the erogenous zone is the genitals. Boys start to perceive their father as rivals for their mother’s affections, while girls feel similarly towards their mother. Freud used the term “The Oedipus Complex” to describe boys’ attachment towards their mother, and Carl Jung later coined the term “The Electra Complex” to describe girls’ attachment towards their father.
Latency Stage (6 years to puberty)During this psychosexual stage of development, sexual urges are usually repressed. Children spend most of their time interacting with same sex peers, engaging in hobbies and acquiring skills.
Genital Stage (Puberty onward)During the last psychosexual stage, the erogenous zone is genitals. Individuals’ sexual urges are reawakened and are directed toward opposite sex peers. However, unlike at the phallic stage, the sexuality at the genital stage is consensual.
Significance of Freud’s Psychosexual TheoryOne importance of Sigmund Freud’s psychosexual theory is his emphasis on early childhood experiences in the development of personality and as an influence on later behaviors. The relationships that individuals cultivate, their views about themselves and others, and their level of adjustment and well-being as adults are all influenced by the quality of experiences that they have had during the psychosexual stages. Despite being one of the most complex and controversial theories of child development, we cannot discount the important ideas that Freud has contributed to the field of psychology and human development. How to cite this post: Sigmund Freud’s Psychosexual Stages of Development. (2018, July 4). The Psychology Notes Headquarters. https://www.psychologynoteshq.com/freud-psychosexual-development/ Comments Related posts:
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