Introduction to Freud's

Psychosexual
Development Theory
Freud's Psychosexual development theory outlines stages of childhood
development that significantly impact adult personality. It begins with the oral
stage and progresses through the anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages.

by aldrin bruce alabiar

Oral Stage: Developmental Tasks and
Characteristics
Primary Focus Dependency vs. Consequences of
Independence Fixation
Babies explore the world
through the mouth and develop This stage influences future Fixation can lead to oral
trust through feeding. relationships and the ability to fixation, such as overeating or
form secure attachments. excessive smoking.
Anal Stage: Developmental Tasks and
Characteristics
1 Toilet Training
Children learn to control their bodily
functions, which affects their sense of
autonomy.
2 Orderliness vs. Messiness
This stage influences future attitudes
towards order, cleanliness, and personal
boundaries.

3 Anxiety and Future Behavior

Unresolved conflicts during this stage can manifest as anal-retentive or anal-expulsive
behaviors.
Phallic Stage: Developmental Tasks
and Characteristics
1 Oedipus Complex
Boys develop unconscious desires for their mothers, leading to rivalry with their
fathers.

2 Electra Complex
Girls experience feelings of "penis envy" and a desire for their father's affection.

3 Gender Identity Formation

Children develop their understanding of gender roles and sexual identity during this
stage.
Latency Stage: Developmental Tasks and
Characteristics

Repression of Sexual Defense Mechanisms Peer Relationships

Feelings
This stage serves as a time of Children establish relationships
Children focus on intellectual, relatively calm development beyond their family circle and
creative, and social pursuits, with fewer visible conflicts. begin social integration.
temporarily suppressing sexual
instincts.
Genital Stage: Developmental Tasks and
Characteristics

1 2
Puberty Sexual Relationships
Adolescents experience sexual maturation and the Individuals navigate forming healthy intimate
reemergence of sexual desires. relationships and expressing sexuality.
Criticisms of Freud's Psychosexual
Development Theory

Gender Bias Empirical Evidence

Freud's theory has been criticized for Some aspects lack empirical support and
emphasizing male development and are challenged by modern research
sexuality. findings.

Overemphasis on Sexuality
Freud's focus on sexuality has been criticized for overshadowing other developmental
influences.
Conclusion: Impact and Relevance of
Freud's Psychosexual Development Theory

Understanding Behavior Despite criticisms, Freud's theory paved the way

for understanding unconscious influences on
behavior.

Clinical Application It has influenced therapeutic practices, particularly

in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy.
Further Research and Modern Applications

Modern Psychology Neuroscientific Studies Child Developmental

How Freud's theories inform
contemporary psychological
research and practice.
Linking brain development with
psychosexual stages and its
implications.
Psychology
Enhancing our understanding of
childhood development and
support strategies.