Freud's Psychosexual Theory of Development

Overview

• Proposed by Sigmund Freud
• Psychological development in childhood occurs in a series of fixed stages called psychosexual stages
• Life built around tension and pleasure; tension can cause conflicts
• Libido: Natural energy source fueling mind's mechanisms
• Fixation: Libido getting stuck at a stage, can have lifelong effects if unresolved
• Emphasis on first five years of life being crucial for forming adult personality

Key Stages and Concepts

Mnemonic for Stages

• Old Age Parrots Love Grapes
  • Oral
  • Anal
  • Phallic
  • Latent
  • Genital

Oral Stage (0-1 Years)

• Libido Focus: Mouth
• Activity: Sucking, eating, oral stimulation
• Major Development: Feeding, sense of trust and comfort
• Conflict: Weaning
• Fixation Results: Dependency, aggression, habits like smoking, nail-biting, overeating

Anal Stage (1-3 Years)

• Libido Focus: Anus
• Activity: Bowel and bladder control, toilet training
• Conflict: Toilet training
• Fixation Results: Orderliness, messiness

Phallic Stage (3-6 Years)

• Libido Focus: Genitals
• Activity: Discovering gender differences
• Major Concepts:
  • Oedipus Complex: Boys' desire for mother, rivalry with father
  • Electra Complex: Girls' desire for father
  • Resolution: Identification with same-sex parent
• Fixation Results: Sexual dysfunction

Latent Stage (6-12 Years)

• Libido Focus: None (sexual impulses repressed)
• Activity: Intellectual pursuits, social interactions
• Major Developments: Social and communication skills, peer relationships
• Fixation Results: Generally none

Genital Stage (12+ Years)

• Libido Focus: Genitals
• Activity: Developing sexual maturity
• Major Development: Mature sexual relationships, interest in welfare of others
• Outcome: Well-balanced, warm, caring personality if prior stages resolved successfully

Summary

• Freud's theory suggests psychological development is deeply rooted in early childhood stages focused on different body areas
• Successful navigation through each stage is crucial for forming a healthy adult personality