GS.20: Deep Dive – Freud’s Theory of Sexual Development

Approximate reading time: 3 minutes

Using case studies, the Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) is credited with being the first scientist to link sex to healthy development and to recognise humans as being sexual throughout their lifespans, including childhood (Freud, 1905). Freud (1923) argued that people progress through five stages of psychosexual development: oral, anal, phallic, latent and genital. According to Freud, each of these stages could be passed through in a healthy or unhealthy manner. People who progress in an unhealthy manner might develop psychological problems. Here is a brief explanation of each of Freud’s stages:

• Oral Stage (0-1 year): This is the first stage, where a baby’s pleasure centres on the mouth. Activities like sucking and biting are important. If issues arise during this stage, it might lead to problems like overeating or smoking in adulthood.
• Anal Stage (1-3 years): In this stage, the focus is on controlling bowel and bladder movements. The key challenge is toilet training. Problems in this stage can lead to neatness or messiness in later life.
• Phallic Stage (3-6 years): During this stage, the child’s attention is on the genitals. Freud believed children develop a deep attraction to the opposite-sex parent and jealousy towards the same-sex parent. Issues here can lead to confusion about sexual identity or guilt about sex.
• Latent Stage (6 years to puberty): In this period, sexual urges are repressed and children focus on school, friendships, and hobbies. Freud thought that successful navigation of this stage leads to well-rounded, socially competent adults.
• Genital Stage (puberty onwards): This final stage is marked by a renewed sexual interest and the establishment of mature sexual relationships. Problems in this stage can lead to difficulties in forming healthy romantic relationships.

Freud believed that difficulties in any of these stages could lead to certain psychological issues in adulthood. However, it’s important to note that Freud’s theories are considered controversial because they are not supported by research evidence. As a result Freud’s theories are not widely accepted in modern psychology.