Overview
This lecture summarizes Freud's theory of psychosexual development, detailing its five stages and how early experiences shape adult personality and behavior.
Freud’s Psychosexual Development Theory
- Freud identified five stages: Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, and Genital.
- The Libido (sexual drive) focuses on different erogenous zones in each stage.
- Traumatic experiences in any stage can cause lifelong fixations, neuroses, or maladaptive behaviors.
The Five Stages Explained
Oral Stage (0–1 year)
- Pleasure centers on the mouth (sucking, feeding).
- Main conflict: weaning off breastfeeding or bottle.
- Successful resolution leads to independence; fixation can cause dependency or manipulative behaviors.
Anal Stage (1–3 years)
- Focus shifts to bladder and bowel control (toilet training).
- Conflict: parental approach to potty training.
- Positive experience leads to competence; strict training causes anal retentive traits; neglect leads to impulsivity and disorganization.
Phallic Stage (3–6 years)
- Libido focuses on genitals; children notice gender differences.
- Boys experience the Oedipus Complex (desire for mother, rivalry with father); may develop castration anxiety.
- Girls experience 'Penis Envy' and may develop inferiority.
- Resolution depends on the presence and support of parents; unresolved conflicts cause adult fixation and issues with gender identity.
Latency Stage (7–13 years)
- Libido is dormant; energy is focused on skills, hobbies, and peer relationships.
- Superego (moral conscience) grows stronger.
- No major conflicts; this stage supports social and skill development.
Genital Stage (puberty–adulthood)
- Libido reawakens, focused on mature sexual relationships.
- Challenge: balancing Id’s desires with Superego’s moral constraints via a strong Ego.
- Successful resolution leads to loving, balanced adulthood; unresolved conflicts can cause sexual or relationship issues.
Freud’s Model of the Mind
- The mind operates on three levels: Unconscious (Id), Preconscious (Superego), and Conscious (Ego).
- Childhood experiences are stored unconsciously and influence adult behavior.
- The Ego mediates between the Id’s desires and the Superego’s moral demands.
Freud’s Psychoanalysis Practice
- Psychoanalysis aims to uncover unconscious memories and desires to relieve neuroses.
- Freud emphasized accepting, not eliminating, personal complexes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Libido — the driving sexual energy in Freud's theory.
- Fixation — persistent focus on an earlier psychosexual stage due to unresolved conflict.
- Oedipus Complex — a boy’s unconscious desire for his mother and rivalry with his father.
- Penis Envy — a girl’s supposed envy of male physical traits and their association with power.
- Id — unconscious drive for immediate pleasure.
- Ego — conscious mediator between the Id and Superego.
- Superego — internalized societal and moral standards.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Consider how Freud’s ideas apply to modern psychology.
- Reflect on the concept of the unconscious and its effect on behavior.