Freud believed that the child passes through a series of stages of development. In each stage a different erogenous zone is in focus
Erogenous zones: areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation.
Freud saw the libido as being focused in these zones.
- Oral stage
Lasts form birth to 1 year
The child’s chief pleasure is derived from sucking and otherwise stimulating the lips and mouth. - Anal stage
The second year of life
The child’s interest is focused on elimination - Phallic stage
From age 3 to age 5 or 6
The boy’s interest is focused on his phallus (penis) and he derives great pleasure masturbating
Oedipus complex or electra complex - Latency
Until adolescence
The sexual impulses are repressed or are in a quiescent state- Modern research shows that children do continue to engage in behaviour with sexual components during this period
- Genital stage
Sexual urges awaken and become more specifically genital.
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