Freuds Theory of Psychosexual Development The id or

Freud’s Theory of Psychosexual Development • The id, or “pleasure principle” develops first; linked to eros (the “life instinct”), thanatos (the “death instinct”) and libido (sex drive) • The ego develops in the 1 st year to mediate between the id and the demands of the real world; often called“the reality principle” • The superego develops last, around age 3 or 4; it’s a harsh “internalized mother’s voice”; the ego now “referees” between it and the id

Freud’s Psychosexual Stages: 1 - the oral stage (birth to about one): focus is on the mouth

Freud’s Psychosexual Stages: 1 - the oral stage (birth to about one): focus is on the mouth 2 - the anal stage (one to about three): focus is on the anus, especially as regards toilet training

Freud’s Psychosexual Stages: 1 - the oral stage (birth to about one): focus is on the mouth 2 - the anal stage (one to about three): focus is on the anus, especially as regards toilet training 3 - the phallic stage (about three to six): focus is on the penis; this stage is marked by the Oedipus Complex, which is resolved through sublimation and through identification with the father

Freud’s stages continued …. . 4 - the latency stage (about six to twelve): this is a period of sexual sublimation and repression

Freud’s stages continued …. . 4 - the latency stage (about six to twelve): this is a period of sexual sublimation and repression 5 - the genital stage (adolescence onward): “normal” adult sexuality

If the major conflicts in each stage are not adequately resolved: • Oral fixation: adulthood may be characterized by excessive eating, smoking, drinking, talking • Anal fixation: adult may be anal-retentive (excessively clean, meticulous, obsessive) or anal-expulsive (moody, sarcastic, untidy in personal habits) • Phallic fixation: vain, arrogant, self absorbed • Latency fixation: sexually repressed