Freud's Psychosexual Theory of Development

Key Concepts

• Psychosexual Stages: Fixed stages of psychological development in childhood.
• Tension and Pleasure: Central to Freud's theory, the buildup of tension can cause conflicts.
• Libido: Natural energy source fueling the mind's mechanisms; associated with fixation.

Stages of Development

1. Oral Stage

• Age: 0-1 years
• Libido Focus: Mouth
• Key Activities: Rooting, sucking, tasting, feeding
• Key Conflict: Weaning off breast-feeding
• Fixation Results: Dependency, aggression, smoking, nail-biting, overeating

2. Anal Stage

• Age: 1-3 years
• Libido Focus: Anus
• Key Activities: Toilet training
• Key Conflict: Control of bladder and bowel movements
• Fixation Results: Orderliness, messiness

3. Phallic Stage

• Age: 3-6 years
• Libido Focus: Genitals
• Key Activities: Discovering difference between males and females
• Key Conflicts: Oedipus complex (boys), Electra complex (girls)
• Resolution: Identification with same-sex parent
• Fixation Results: Sexual dysfunction

4. Latent Stage

• Age: 6-12 years
• Libido Focus: None (sexual energy directed into intellectual and social activities)
• Key Activities: Social interactions, skill development
• Fixation Results: None specific to adulthood

5. Genital Stage

• Age: 12+ years
• Libido Focus: Genitals
• Key Activities: Sexual maturity and interests
• Key Goals: Establish balance in life areas
• Fixation Results: Mentally healthy and balanced individual if previous stages are successfully completed

Mnemonic for Stages

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