Anal Phase

The anal phase is a crucial stage in Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychosexual development.

Description

The anal phase, also known as the anal stage, occurs between the ages of 18 months and 3 years during a child’s development.

Key Features

This phase centers around the child’s pleasure and conflict related to bowel movements and the retention or expulsion of feces. It represents a shift in focus from the erogenous zone of the oral stage to the erogenous zone of the anus.

Potty Training

A major milestone during the anal phase is the process of toilet training. The child learns to control their bowel movements and experiences the pleasure or displeasure associated with this newfound skill.

Conflict and Personality Traits

Freud believed that conflicts arising during the anal phase could influence the child’s future personality. For example, excessive strictness or harsh punishment during toilet training may lead to anal-retentive traits, such as perfectionism, stubbornness, or obsession with cleanliness. On the other hand, overly indulgent or lenient toilet training may result in anal-expulsive traits, marked by disorderliness, rebellion, or lack of self-control.