Psychosexual Stages: By Sigmund Freud

by

Fajar Tabish

F24-150

Assignment: 01

Subject Supervisor

Madam Azka

Subject Name

Schools and Perspective in Psychology

Department of Psychology

Abbottabad University of Science & Technology

12, Mar 2025

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Table of Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3
2 Sigmund Freud............................................................................................................... 3
3 Literature Review........................................................................................................... 3
4 Psychosexual Stages ...................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Definition of Psychosexual .................................................................................... 4
4.2 Psychosexual Stages .............................................................................................. 4
4.2.1 Oral Stage (0 to 1 year) ...................................................................................... 4
4.2.2 Anal Stage (1 to 3 years) .................................................................................... 4
4.2.3 Phallic Stage (3 to 6 years) ................................................................................. 5
4.2.4 Latency Stage (6 to 12 years) ............................................................................. 5
4.2.5 Genital Stage (12 years and onward) .................................................................. 6
5 Critiques and Limitations ............................................................................................... 6
6 Modern Perspectives ...................................................................................................... 7
7 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 7
8 References ..................................................................................................................... 8

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Psychosexual Stages by Sigmund Freud

1 Introduction
Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages explains how our personality develops as we
grow. He believed that as children, we go through different stages where our focus shifts to
different parts of our body, like the mouth, the bottom, and later, the genitals. Each stage plays
an important role in shaping who we are as adults. Freud suggested that how we experience
and handle these stages affects our behavior, emotions, and relationships later in life. The stages
are oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital, and understanding them helps us see how early
experiences can impact us as we grow older.

2 Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) was an Austrian neurologist and the father of psychoanalysis [1].
He was a pioneering figure in psychology, best known for developing psychoanalysis, a method
for treating mental illness by exploring unconscious thoughts and desires. He introduced the
idea that our behaviors are influenced by unconscious forces, often rooted in early childhood
experiences. Freud's theories, like the structure of the mind (id, ego, and superego) and the
psychosexual stages of development, transformed our understanding of human behavior. While
many of his ideas are controversial, his work laid the foundation for modern psychology and
psychotherapy.

3 Literature Review
Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychosexual development remains one of the most influential yet
controversial theories in psychology. Developed in the early 20th century, Freud’s
psychosexual stages propose that human development is shaped by a series of stages in which
the libido (sexual energy) is focused on different parts of the body. The five stages—oral, anal,
phallic, latency, and genital—are linked to the satisfaction or frustration of libido during
specific periods of childhood. Freud’s theory suggests that unresolved conflicts during these
stages can lead to personality issues in adulthood [2].

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4 Psychosexual Stages
4.1 Definition of Psychosexual
Psychosexual relates to the mental, emotional, and behavioral aspects of sexual development.
It is related to the mental, emotional, and behavioral aspects of sexual development or mental
or emotional attitudes concerning sexual activity. We can also define it as physiological
psychology of sex [3].

4.2 Psychosexual Stages

Freud proposed five distinct stages of psychosexual development: oral, anal, phallic, latency,
and genital. Each stage represents a period in which the individual's libido is focused on a
particular part of the body. Freud suggested that experiences during these stages could have
long-lasting effects on an individual's personality and behavior. These stages are explained
below:

4.2.1 ORAL STAGE (0 TO 1 YEAR)

 Focus of Pleasure: The mouth
 Erogenous Zone: Mouth, lips, and tongue
 Key Developmental Task: During the oral stage, infants derive pleasure primarily from
activities such as sucking, biting, and chewing. The mouth is the primary source of
pleasure, and the act of sucking on a mother's breast is crucial for nourishment and
comfort.
 Potential Conflicts: If a child’s needs are not adequately met during this stage, it can
lead to oral fixation. Freud suggested that adults with unresolved oral conflicts might
develop behaviors like smoking, excessive eating, nail-biting, or even a tendency to
talk excessively.
 Personality Implications: Those who are overly indulged or frustrated during this
stage might develop traits such as passivity, dependency, or aggression.

4.2.2 ANAL STAGE (1 TO 3 YEARS)

 Focus of Pleasure: The anus
 Erogenous Zone: Anus and rectum
 Key Developmental Task: The key activity during the anal stage is toilet training.
Children learn control over their bodily functions and experience pleasure from the
control they have over their own excretions.

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 Potential Conflicts: How the child is trained — whether it is too strict or too lenient
— can have lasting effects. If a child experiences harsh toilet training, they may develop
feelings of shame or become excessively rigid and orderly in adulthood (anal-retentive).
If the child is allowed too much freedom, they may become messy, disorganized, or
even rebellious in later life (anal-expulsive).
 Personality Implications: Adults with unresolved conflicts from the anal stage may
become obsessed with cleanliness and orderliness (anal-retentive) or develop a
disregard for rules and become messy (anal-expulsive).

4.2.3 PHALLIC STAGE (3 TO 6 YEARS)

 Focus of Pleasure: The genitals
 Erogenous Zone: Genital area
 Key Developmental Task: During the phallic stage, children become aware of their
genitals and may begin to exhibit curiosity about their own bodies and those of others.
Freud suggested that this stage is marked by the Oedipus complex in boys and the
Electra complex in girls, where children develop unconscious sexual desires for the
opposite-sex parent and feelings of jealousy and rivalry toward the same-sex parent.
 Oedipus Complex (for boys): Boys develop a desire for their mothers and see their
fathers as rivals. This creates a sense of castration anxiety — the fear that the father will
punish the boy for his desires.
 Electra Complex (for girls): Girls experience penis envy, desiring the father and
resenting the mother for not providing them with a penis. They then identify with their
mothers to resolve this conflict.
 Potential Conflicts: If conflicts during the phallic stage are unresolved, they may result
in sexual dysfunctions or difficulties in relationships. The child may either become
fixated on their opposite-sex parent or develop feelings of inadequacy.
 Personality Implications: Fixations can lead to an excessive need for attention, an
overemphasis on sex, vanity, or a tendency to seek power or attention from others.

4.2.4 LATENCY STAGE (6 TO 12 YEARS)

 Focus of Pleasure: Sexual feelings are dormant
 Erogenous Zone: None (sexual impulses are repressed)
 Key Developmental Task: During the latency stage, sexual urges are less prominent,
and children focus on developing skills, interests, friendships, and self-confidence. This

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period is essential for cognitive and social development, and children learn to interact
with peers, form same-sex friendships, and engage in intellectual pursuits.
 Personality Implications: If there are no major conflicts during this stage, children
typically emerge with a well-developed sense of self and a healthy approach to
socialization. There is a strong focus on education, hobbies, and peer relationships.

4.2.5 GENITAL STAGE (12 YEARS AND ONWARD)

 Focus of Pleasure: The genitals
 Erogenous Zone: Genital area
 Key Developmental Task: The genital stage begins at puberty and is characterized by
the resurgence of sexual interest and the ability to form mature sexual relationships. At
this point, the individual is able to develop intimate, mature relationships with others
and is concerned with the reproduction and creation of healthy relationships.
 Personality Implications: Successful resolution of earlier conflicts enables the
individual to form healthy sexual relationships and contribute to the society in
meaningful ways. Unresolved issues from earlier stages may lead to difficulties in
intimacy or sexual functioning.

5 Critiques and Limitations

Although Freud's theory was groundbreaking, it has faced significant criticism, particularly
regarding its empirical validity and overemphasis on sexuality.

 Lack of Scientific Evidence: One of the most significant critiques of Freud’s theory is
the lack of empirical evidence supporting his ideas. His conclusions were primarily
drawn from clinical observations of a limited sample of patients, which some argue
does not provide a solid scientific basis for his theories.
 Overemphasis on Sexuality: Critics argue that Freud’s focus on sexuality, particularly
his belief that all human behavior is shaped by repressed sexual desires, is overly
reductionist. Contemporary psychologists have suggested that many human behaviors
cannot be explained solely by sexual motivations.
 Cultural and Gender Bias: Freud's theories were based on the social and cultural
context of Victorian Europe, which may not apply universally. Additionally, his views
on female sexuality, including the concept of "penis envy," have been criticized as
reflecting the gender biases of his time [4].

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6 Modern Perspectives
In contemporary psychology, Freud's psychosexual stages are often viewed as outdated and
oversimplified, but they continue to inform certain therapeutic practices and developmental
theories. More modern theories of development, such as Jean Piaget’s cognitive stages and
Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral development [5], focus on different aspects of human
growth, but many still acknowledge the importance of early experiences in shaping personality.

 Developmental Psychology: Freud’s work laid the groundwork for the study of child
development. Today, psychologists recognize that early experiences are critical, but the
emphasis is on a wider range of factors, such as cognitive development, social
relationships, and environmental influences.
 Freudian Therapy: Although contemporary therapy has evolved, psychoanalysis,
influenced by Freud’s ideas, is still practiced. Psychodynamic therapy, for instance,
incorporates Freud’s focus on the unconscious and early experiences but with more
modern techniques [6].

7 Conclusion
Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages was groundbreaking in its time and continues to be a
significant influence on the fields of psychoanalysis and developmental psychology. While his
ideas have been heavily critiqued and revised, they have provided a foundation for modern
discussions on the role of early childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior.

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8 References
1) S. Freud, Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality, trans. J. Strachey, The Standard
Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, vol. 7, London:
Hogarth Press, 1905.
2) S. Freud, The Ego and the Id, trans. J. Riviere, The Standard Edition of the Complete
Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, vol. 19, London: Hogarth Press, 1923.
3) S. McLeod, "Psychosexual Stages," Simply Psychology, 2018. [Online]. Available:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/psychosexual-stages.html. [Accessed: Mar. 11,
2025].
4) B. R. Hergenhahn and T. Henley, An Introduction to the History of Psychology, 7th ed.,
Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2013.
5) C. G. Boeree, "Freud’s Theory of Psychosexual Development," Personality Theories,
2006. [Online]. Available: https://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/psychosexual.html.
[Accessed: Mar. 11, 2025].
6) H. S. Friedman and M. W. Schustack, Personality: Classic Theories and Modern
Research, 6th ed., Boston: Pearson, 2016.