PSYCHOSEXUAL DEVELOPMENT

Psychosexual Development

A theory proposed by Freud that suggests psychological development occurs in a series of fixed stages, each focused on a different erogenous zone.

Oral Stage

The first stage of psychosexual development (0-1 year) where the libido is centered in the mouth, leading to behaviors like sucking and biting.

Anal Stage

The second stage (1-3 years) where the focus shifts to bowel and bladder control, with conflicts arising during potty training.

Phallic Stage

The third stage (3-6 years) characterized by the focus on the genitals and the emergence of the Oedipus and Electra complexes.

Oedipus Complex

A conflict in boys during the phallic stage where they develop sexual desires for their mother and rivalry with their father.

Electra Complex

A similar conflict in girls during the phallic stage, where they desire their father and experience penis envy.

Latency Stage

The fourth stage (5-6 years to puberty) where sexual impulses are repressed and energy is directed towards social and intellectual pursuits.

Genital Stage

The final stage (puberty to adulthood) where sexual instincts mature and are directed towards heterosexual relationships.

Fixation

A concept in psychoanalysis where an individual becomes stuck at a particular psychosexual stage due to frustration or overindulgence.

Libido

A term used by Freud to describe sexual drives or instincts that influence behavior and personality development.

Id

The part of the personality that contains our primal instincts and desires, which must be controlled for social functioning.

Ego

The rational part of the personality that mediates between the id and the superego, helping to satisfy desires in socially acceptable ways.

Superego

The part of the personality that represents internalized societal norms and morals, often in conflict with the id.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used by the ego to protect against anxiety and conflict, often by repressing undesirable thoughts or feelings.