Overview
This lecture covers Freud's theory of psychosexual development, explaining its five stages, key concepts like the unconscious mind, and how early experiences shape adult personality.
Freud’s Psychosexual Development Stages
- Freud’s theory says our libido (sexual drive) focuses on different body zones through five stages: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital.
- Failure or trauma at any stage can cause fixations, neurosis, or unhealthy personality traits in adulthood.
The Unconscious Mind and Personality Structure
- Freud described three levels of the mind: unconscious (id), pre-conscious (superego), and conscious (ego).
- The id seeks immediate gratification; the superego represents morals and societal rules; the ego balances the two.
Stage 1: Oral Phase (0-1 year)
- Focuses on pleasure from oral activities (sucking, eating).
- Trauma (early or traumatic weaning) causes oral fixations (dependency, addiction).
Stage 2: Anal Phase (1-3 years)
- Focus shifts to bowel and bladder control (toilet training).
- Strict or neglectful training leads to “anal retentive” (over-controlling) or “anal expulsive” (messy, rebellious) personalities.
Stage 3: Phallic Phase (3-6 years)
- Libido focuses on genitals; key conflict is the Oedipus complex (boys) or penis envy (girls).
- Resolution shapes gender identity and attitudes towards authority and relationships.
Stage 4: Latency Phase (7-13 years)
- Libido is dormant; focus shifts to developing social and academic skills.
- Strong identification with social values and same-sex peers.
Stage 5: Genital Phase (Puberty–Death)
- Libido is reactivated at puberty, focusing on mature sexual interests.
- Successful development enables balanced relationships; weaknesses result in social or sexual problems.
Psychoanalysis and Dealing with Complexes
- Freud believed the unconscious stores all experiences, influencing dreams and thoughts.
- Psychoanalysis helps reveal and work with these unconscious influences rather than eliminating them.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Libido — innate sexual drive and energy.
- Fixation — being stuck at a developmental stage due to trauma.
- Id — primitive part seeking immediate pleasure.
- Superego — internalized societal and parental morals.
- Ego — mediator balancing id and superego.
- Oedipus complex — desire for the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the same-sex parent.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Freud’s five psychosexual stages and the impact of fixation.
- Reflect: How does early childhood experience influence adult behavior?
- Prepare discussion points on the validity of Freud’s theory for next class.