In childhood and adolescence, individuals go through a series of phases known as psychosexual stages, where they develop their gender identity and sexual orientation. These phases are defined by Freud's theory of psychoanalysis, which states that each stage is characterized by different levels of pleasure seeking and sexual satisfaction.
The first stage, which occurs from birth to one year old, is called the oral stage. At this stage, infants learn to gratify themselves through sucking and biting objects, often leading them to become fixated on the mouth area and having difficulty transitioning into later stages.
The second stage, which lasts until three years old, is known as the anal stage. Children at this age start to explore their bodies more and begin to understand how bodily functions work. They may become interested in toilet training and control issues, such as holding onto feces for too long. If they do not receive enough attention during this phase, they may remain fixated on it and exhibit stubbornness and obsession with cleanliness and order.
From ages three to six, children enter the phallic stage, where they learn about genitalia and experience feelings of guilt when they become aware of their gender differences. Boys may fixate on penises, while girls may focus on breasts or vaginas. This can lead to competition between the sexes, which is resolved by identifying with the same-sex parent.
The final stage, the latency period, runs from six to puberty. During this time, individuals no longer experience strong sexual urges but instead focus on friendships and intellectual pursuits. It prepares them for adulthood and relationships.
These stages may be disrupted if individuals are deprived of resources necessary for development, such as food, water, shelter, or care.
A child raised in poverty may struggle with attachment and trust issues due to neglect. They may fixate on certain aspects of their environment out of survival instinct, leading to behavioral problems. Similarly, an adult living in extreme conditions, like war or famine, may have difficulty forming healthy relationships because they lack access to basic needs. These factors can cause psychosexual stagnation, meaning they never fully progress beyond one stage.
Cultural norms and expectations can also influence psychosexual development.
Some cultures may value masculinity over femininity, which could prevent a boy from developing into a man or vice versa. If someone feels pressured to conform to societal standards, they may not express themselves authentically, resulting in suppressed desires and unhealthy relationships.
Psychosexual development is complex and influenced by various environmental and social factors. By understanding how it works, we can better support individuals who may face challenges along the way.
How does psychosexual development progress under deprivation, resource scarcity, or extreme conditions?
Psychosexual development is defined as the process of developing one's sexual identity through childhood into adulthood. During this stage, an individual learns about their gender roles, sexual orientation, and sexual behaviors, which ultimately shape how they view themselves in relation to others sexually and emotionally.