Overview
This lecture explains Sigmund Freud’s five stages of psychosexual development, highlighting how personality forms in childhood as the libido focuses on different erogenous zones.
Freud’s Five Stages of Psychosexual Development
- Freud claims childhood personality develops through five psychosexual stages: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital.
- At each stage, the libido (sexual energy) is focused on a specific part of the body (erogenous zone).
- Fixation occurs if conflict at any stage is not resolved, influencing adult personality.
Stage 1: Oral Stage (Birth to 1 Year)
- The mouth is the main source of pleasure through activities like sucking and tasting.
- Key conflict is weaning from breastfeeding, leading to trust and awareness of self.
- Too much or too little gratification may cause oral fixation, leading to passivity or immaturity.
Stage 2: Anal Stage (1 to 3 Years)
- Pleasure centers on bowel and bladder control, especially during toilet training.
- Main conflict is between the id’s immediate gratification and the ego’s delayed gratification.
- Overly strict or lenient toilet training can result in compulsive or messy personalities.
Stage 3: Phallic Stage (3 to 6 Years)
- Libido is focused on the genitalia, and children become aware of sex differences.
- The Oedipus complex (boys) or Electra complex (girls) arises, creating rivalry and desire for the opposite-sex parent.
- Resolution occurs through identification with the same-sex parent.
Stage 4: Latency Stage (6 Years to Puberty)
- Libido is dormant and sexual impulses are repressed.
- Energy is directed to developing skills, knowledge, and same-gender friendships.
Stage 5: Genital Stage (Puberty to Adulthood)
- Sexual instincts reawaken and are directed toward heterosexual relationships.
- Successful resolution leads to mature love and adult responsibilities.
- Fixations from earlier stages may manifest as adult sexual behaviors or preferences.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Libido — Sexual energy or drive central to Freud’s theory.
- Erogenous Zone — Area of the body where libido is focused during each stage.
- Fixation — Lasting impact from unresolved conflict during a stage.
- Oedipus Complex — A boy’s unconscious desire for his mother and rivalry with his father.
- Electra Complex — A girl’s unconscious desire for her father and rivalry with her mother.
- Id — Part of the psyche seeking immediate gratification.
- Ego — Part of the psyche balancing the id and reality.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Freud’s theory and each psychosexual stage’s conflicts and outcomes.
- Study the definitions of key terms for better understanding and exam preparation.
- Read additional materials on the interplay between id, ego, and superego if needed.