Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development proposes that individuals progress through a series of stages during which they focus their sexual energy on different areas of their body. According to Freud, the way in which an individual navigates these stages can have a significant impact on their later adult personality.
The first stage, known as the oral stage, occurs during the first 18 months of life and is characterized by the infant's focus on their mouth and the pleasure they derive from sucking and biting. If an individual becomes fixated at this stage, they may develop an oral personality, characterized by a desire for oral stimulation and a tendency to be dependent or passive.
The second stage, the anal stage, occurs between the ages of 18 months and 3 years and is characterized by the child's focus on their anus and the pleasure they derive from bowel movements. If an individual becomes fixated at this stage, they may develop an anal personality, characterized by a focus on cleanliness and control, or the opposite, a rebellious and careless personality.
The third stage, the phallic stage, occurs between the ages of 3 and 6 years and is characterized by the child's focus on their genitals. During this stage, children also develop a strong attachment to their opposite-sex parent, known as the Oedipus complex. If an individual becomes fixated at this stage, they may develop an unhealthy attachment to their opposite-sex parent or exhibit behaviors that are inappropriate for their age.
The fourth stage, the latent stage, occurs between the ages of 6 and puberty and is characterized by a suppression of sexual feelings. During this stage, children's focus shifts to social activities and friendships.
The final stage, the genital stage, occurs during puberty and adulthood and is characterized by the individual's focus on sexual relationships with others. If an individual has successfully navigated the previous stages, they will be able to form healthy sexual relationships as an adult.
Overall, Freud's theory of psychosexual development suggests that an individual's early experiences and the way in which they resolve conflicts at each stage can have a lasting impact on their personality and behaviors. While Freud's theories have been widely debated and are not necessarily accepted by all psychologists, they continue to be influential and have had a significant impact on our understanding of human development.