• Definition: The Psychosexual Stages of Development refer to Sigmund Freud’s theory that explains how individuals’ personality and sexual development evolve through distinct stages during childhood.
• Oral Stage: The initial stage of psychosexual development, occurring from birth to 12-18 months, where pleasure is focused on the mouth and activities such as sucking, biting, and chewing.
• Anal Stage: The second stage, typically experienced between 18 months and 3 years old, where pleasure is derived from bowel movements. It involves toilet training, leading to conflicts around control and authority.
• Phallic Stage: The third stage that takes place between 3 and 6 years old, where pleasure is centered around the genital region. Children develop unconscious sexual desires for the opposite-sex parent and experience the Oedipus and Electra complexes.
• Latency Stage: The fourth stage occurring from 6 years old until puberty, where sexual impulses remain dormant. Focus shifts towards non-sexual activities, socializing with same-sex peers, and developing intellectual and social skills.
• Genital Stage: The final stage of psychosexual development, beginning from puberty onwards, characterized by the resurgence of sexual impulses. Individuals strive for mature, mutually satisfying relationships, seeking to establish intimate connections and emotional well-being.