Psychosexual development

Psychosexual development


The psychosexual theory of development was the work of Freud. It outlines a number of stages and is quite deep and complex. The table below serves to highlight information that tends to come up in the exams only and is not meant to be a comprehensive overview.

StageRangeDescription
Oral0-18 monthsPleasure and needs explored though sucking, swallowing and biting
Anal18-36 monthsPleasure and need explore through bowel and bladder, through both elimination and retention
Phallic3-5 yearsDuring this phase, boys pass through the Oedipal complex and girls the Electra complex. Girls are also said to develop penis envy in this stage
Latency5-pubertyThe sexual drive remains latent during this stage
GenitalPuberty-adulthoodDuring this stage a person achieves independence from their parents and forms intimate relationships with others