Freud's Theory of Psychosexual Development

Freud's theory posits that as individuals grow up, they transition through five critical phases where the libido (sex drive) focuses on different erogenous zones. These phases are:

• Oral Phase (0-1 year)
• Anal Phase (1-3 years)
• Phallic Phase (3-6 years)
• Latency Phase (7-13 years)
• Genital Phase (puberty to death)

Overview of Phases

Oral Phase (0-1 year)

• Focus: Pleasure from sucking (breast or bottle).
• Conflict: Weaning from primary caregiver.

Examples:

• Hans: Weaned without trauma, becomes independent.
• Ernst: Weaned too early, develops oral fixation (chewing gum).
• Ida: Left alone when hungry, develops manipulative and addictive personality.

Anal Phase (1-3 years)

• Focus: Control over bladder and bowel movements (potty training).
• Conflict: Learning to use the toilet.

Examples:

• Hans: Praised for toilet use, develops competent personality.
• Ernst: Punished for mistakes, becomes anal retentive (over-controlling).
• Ida: Neglected in potty training, becomes messy and rebellious.

Phallic Phase (3-6 years)

• Focus: Awareness of gender differences.
• Conflict: Oedipus Complex (boys rivalry with father) and Penis Envy (girls).

Examples:

• Hans: Strong relationship with father, develops respect for both genders.
• Ernst: Absent father leads to aggressive behavior and mother fixation.
• Ida: Lifelong penis envy leading to feelings of inferiority.

Latent Phase (7-13 years)

• Focus: Sexual energy is suppressed; development of life skills.
• Conflict: None noted, strong identification with social values.

Examples:

• Hans, Ernst, and Ida: All develop hobbies and friendships which benefit them later in life.

Genital Phase (Puberty to Death)

• Focus: Sexual partners and balancing desires with social norms.
• Conflict: Finding compromise between Id and Superego.

Examples:

• Hans: Strong Ego, disciplined, successful relationships.
• Ernst: Weak Ego, suppresses desires leading to perversions.
• Ida: Weak Ego and Superego, prioritizes own needs over others.

Freud’s Concept of the Mind

• Three Spheres:

  • Unconscious: Operates the Id (immediate satisfaction).
  • Preconscious: Operates the Superego (moral values).
  • Conscious: Operates the Ego (balance between Id and Superego).

• Child Development:

  • Driven by Id in early years.
  • Superego develops around age 7.
  • Ego forms in adolescence to manage impulses and societal expectations.

Freud's Psychoanalysis

• Acknowledges the unconscious mind's role in storing traumatic memories that influence adult behavior.
• Suggested that revealing these memories through conversation can help individuals achieve a healthier life.
• Emphasizes the importance of aligning with our complexes instead of trying to eliminate them.

Discussion Points

• What are your thoughts on Freud's theory?
• Do we have an unconscious and does it store childhood experiences?

Final Notes

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