1. According to Freud…
The first five years of life are crucial to the formation of adult personality.
Id must be controlled in order to satisfy social demands
The ego and superego develop in order to exercise this control and direct the need for gratification into socially acceptable channels.
Sex is the root of personality

2. Psychosexual Stages
From birth, human beings possess an instinctual libido (sexual energy) that develops in five stages.
Each stage is characterized by the erogenous zone (area of the body) that is the source of that sexual energy

3. Fixation Frustration will occur if the needs of any stage are not met
This can prevent individuals from moving on to the next stage
Overindulgence occurs if the needs of a stage are met too frequently.
The individual has been so well satisfied that they become reluctant to leave that stage

4. Stage 1 – The Oral Stage Birth – 18 months
Sexual energy is focused around the mouth
Babies get satisfaction by sucking/biting items & breastfeeding
Results of Fixation:
Smoking, biting nails, thumb sucking, eating

5. Stage 2 – Anal Stage 1-3 years old
Ego has developed; aware their desires can bring them into conflicts with society
Sexual energy become focused around the anus (bowel elimination)
Potty Training: parents imposing strict restrictions on when and where child can defecate
Early/Harsh potty training – Anal Retentive personality (obsessively organized & neat)
Lenient potty training – Anal Expulsive personality (reckless, careless, defiant)

6. Stage 3 – Phallic Stage 3-6 years old
Sexual energy becomes focused around genitalia
Children become aware of anatomical differences between the sexes
Boys experience Oedipus Complex:
Desire to have sole “possession” over mother & get rid of father; becomes fearful father will find out and castrate him
Failure to resolve: aggressive and overly ambitious
Girls experience Electra Complex:
Penis envy
Failure to resolve: want to dominate men

7. Stage 4 – Latency 6 years – Puberty Latent = Hidden
most sexual impulses are repressed sexual energy can be transferred towards school work, hobbies and friendships.
Become more attached to same-sex parent
Superego is developed

8. Stage 5 – Genital Stage Puberty – Adulthood Sexual interests mature
Become focused on adult relationships with others
Desires can be gratified symbolically & intellectually
Friendships, love relationships, etc.
Address issues/conflicts from past stages

9. Do you agree with Freud? Not everyone does!
Write a 1 paragraph (minimum) reflection on whether or not you agree with Freud’s theory that we have discussed (3 levels of the mind, components of personality, psychosexual development). Be specific in regards to what you agree with or disagree with & WHY you agree or disagree.