Overview
This lecture explains Freud's theory of psychosexual development, describing its five stages, associated conflicts, outcomes, and its relationship to the structure of personality and the unconscious mind.
Freud’s Psychosexual Stages
- Freud identified five psychosexual stages: Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, and Genital.
- At each stage, Libido (sexual drive) is focused on different erogenous zones.
- Traumas or unresolved conflicts during a stage can cause lifelong fixations or psychological issues.
Oral Stage (0–1 year)
- Pleasure is centered in the mouth; main conflict is weaning from caregiver.
- Positive outcome: healthy independence (Hans).
- Negative outcomes: oral fixation (Ernst), dependency and addiction (Ida).
Anal Stage (1–3 years)
- Focus is on controlling bladder and bowel movements; conflict is toilet training.
- Supportive training leads to competence (Hans).
- Too strict leads to anal retentive traits (Ernst: controlling, obedient).
- Too lax leads to anal expulsive traits (Ida: messy, rebellious).
Phallic Stage (3–6 years)
- Libido focuses on genitals; key conflict is Oedipus Complex (boys) and Penis Envy (girls).
- Resolving conflict through identification with same-sex parent leads to healthy sexual identity (Hans).
- Failure results in fixation, uncertainty, aggression, or inferiority complexes (Ernst, Ida).
Latency Stage (7–13 years)
- Libido is dormant; focus shifts to developing skills and social relationships.
- No major conflicts; development of values, hobbies, and friendships benefits later life.
Genital Stage (Puberty–Adulthood)
- Libido reactivates, focuses on mature sexual interests.
- Healthy development leads to strong Ego and balanced life (Hans).
- Unresolved issues show as perversions or disregard for social norms (Ernst, Ida).
Freud’s Theory of the Mind
- The mind is divided into the Unconscious (Id), Preconscious (Superego), and Conscious/Ego.
- Id seeks immediate gratification; Superego develops around age seven; Ego mediates between them.
- Subconscious memories and desires influence adult behavior.
- Psychoanalysis aims to bring unconscious material to awareness to resolve neuroses.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Libido — innate sexual drive or energy.
- Erogenous Zone — body area where Libido is focused during a developmental stage.
- Fixation — lingering focus on a stage due to unresolved conflict or trauma.
- Oedipus Complex — a boy's unconscious rivalry with father for mother's affection.
- Penis Envy — a girl's alleged desire for a penis and associated power.
- Id — unconscious drive seeking immediate pleasure.
- Superego — moral conscience, internalized societal rules.
- Ego — rational mediator between Id and Superego.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on Freud’s psychosexual stages and consider examples from your own or others’ development.
- Prepare for discussion on the implications of unconscious influences on adult behavior.
- Review Freud’s structural model of personality for the next class.