Theory of psychosexual development Interesting Essay Topic Ideas

What is the Theory of Psychosexual Development? The Theory of Psychosexual Development, developed by Sigmund Freud, is a model for psychological development that focuses on five key stages that occur between infancy and adulthood These five stages are oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital. Each of these stages are characterized by specific conflicts that arise as individuals progress through different levels of development. During these various stages, people experience different psychological problems due to the unresolved conflicts. Freud postulated that the development of an individual’s personality is shaped by these conflicts, ultimately leading to functioning or maladaptive behavior. Oral Stage: The oral stage occurs during the first year of life and is primarily concerned with the development of the mouth, lips, and tongue. During this stage, the infant's primary source of gratification is obtained through the mouth via suckling, eating, and oral exploration. If the oral needs are fulfilled, the developing individual can develop positive outlooks and characteristics later in life, such as generosity and trust. On the other hand, if the needs are unsatisfied, then the person may develop negative outlooks such as envy, defiance, mistrust, and pessimism. Anal Stage: The anal stage occurs during the second year of life and is primarily concerned with developing bowel and bladder control. Here, the child must learn to delay gratification and accept the demands of reality. If the child is successful and has their needs met, then they will develop orderly, exact and parsimonious characteristics. However, if their needs are not met, then the child will develop messiness, rashness and stubborn characteristics. Phallic Stage: The phallic stage occurs during the third or fourth year of life and is primarily concerned with the development of the genital organs. During this stage, the child's primary source of gratification is from the pleasure derived from their genital area. If the child has their needs met, they will develop an awareness of the differences between genders, as well as a sense of morality. If the needs are unsatisfied, the child can develop feelings of guilt and inferiority. Latency Stage: The latency stage occurs between the ages of five and twelve and is characterized by the suppression of sexual feelings. This can lead to the repression of desires and wishes, which can result in the individual developing passive, conservative tendencies and a fear of sexuality. Genital Stage: The genital stage occurs during adolescence and is concerned with the development of mature sexual behavior. This stage is characterized by individuals’ ability to develop intimate relationships and find emotional fulfillment. If the individual is successful in this stage, then they will be able to develop a sound conscience and will be able to successfully settle in a long-term relationship. Five Best Examples of the Theory of Psychosexual Development 1. Mary: Mary was raised in a strict religious household and as a result, was told to never explore her sexuality. As a result, she never developed healthy sexual behaviors and remained in a latent state of psychosexual development throughout her teenage years. 2. John: John was raised in a very permissive home. As a result, he was allowed to explore his sexuality at an early age. This led to him developing healthy sexual behavior and entering the genital stage of psychosexual development earlier than most. 3. Bill: Bill was raised in a home where he was both verbally and physically abused. As a result of this, he never developed trust or openness in relationships and stays in a perpetual state of oral psychosexual development. 4. Amber: Amber was raised in a home without any boundaries and as a result, was able to explore her sexuality at an early age. This led to her developing healthy sexual behavior and entering the genital stage of psychosexual development at an early age. 5. Sarah: Sarah was raised in a home where her parents never communicated with her and as a result, she never developed trust in relationships. This led to her remaining in an anal stage of psychosexual development and developing a fear of intimacy.