Describe Freud's psychosexual stages of development, including their approximate ages, erogenous zones, and sources of conflict

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Freud believed that development proceeded in a sequence of five stages. The stages are described defined by an anatomical feature (erogenous zone) through which pleasure is obtained. The first stage is the oral stage, corresponding to infancy. At this stage, gratification is obtained through the mouth, with the conflict being the termination of breastfeeding. The second stage is the anal stage, which corresponds
to toddlerhood. Here, gratification is a function of the anus and the conflict is related to toilet training. The third stage, occurring in early childhood, is the phallic stage. Gratification is obtained through the genitals, and the source of conflict is the Oedipus/Electra complex. The fourth stage, or latency stage, is when there is no explicit sexual focus for gratification. This is a relatively tranquil period occurring during the elementary school years and ending with puberty. The fifth stage is the genital stage in which the individual prepares for mature sexual relations. It begins at puberty and extends into adulthood. Excessive gratification or frustration at any stage may lead to a disruption in development, or fixation.