What does the term 'psychosexual stages of development' refer to in psychoanalytic theory?

What does the term 'psychosexual stages of development' refer to in psychoanalytic theory?

• A. The phases of intellectual development
• B. The series of developmental stages related to sexual gratification
• C. The chronology of moral development
• D. The sequence of cognitive growth stages

Answer: (B)

The term 'psychosexual stages of development' refers specifically to the series of developmental stages proposed by Sigmund Freud, which highlight how children navigate through various conflicts related to sexuality and gratification as they mature. According to Freud, these stages include oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital phases, each characterized by different challenges and focal points of pleasure. Successful navigation through these stages is believed to influence personality and behavior throughout an individual’s life. This concept emphasizes that human development is not solely about physical growth or cognitive development, but also involves emotional and sexual dimensions that are pivotal in shaping overall psychological health.

The term 'psychosexual stages of development' refers specifically to the series of developmental stages proposed by Sigmund Freud, which highlight how children navigate through various conflicts related to sexuality and gratification as they mature. According to Freud, these stages include oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital phases, each characterized by different challenges and focal points of pleasure. Successful navigation through these stages is believed to influence personality and behavior throughout an individual’s life.

This concept emphasizes that human development is not solely about physical growth or cognitive development, but also involves emotional and sexual dimensions that are pivotal in shaping overall psychological health.