Freud's psychosexual theory posits development through how many stages?

Freud's psychosexual theory posits development through how many stages?

• A. Three
• B. Five
• C. Four
• D. Six

Answer: (B)

Freud's psychosexual theory outlines development through five stages, each tied to a different erogenous zone and set of developmental tasks. In the oral stage, pleasure centers on the mouth (0–18 months). The anal stage focuses on the anal region and control (18 months–3 years). The phallic stage involves the genitals and the Oedipus/Electra dynamics (roughly 3–6 years). The latency stage brings a period of relative calm in sexual energies (about 6 years to puberty). The genital stage begins at puberty and continues into adulthood, with mature sexuality and relationships taking center stage. Because there are five distinct phases, the correct count is five.

Freud's psychosexual theory outlines development through five stages, each tied to a different erogenous zone and set of developmental tasks. In the oral stage, pleasure centers on the mouth (0–18 months). The anal stage focuses on the anal region and control (18 months–3 years). The phallic stage involves the genitals and the Oedipus/Electra dynamics (roughly 3–6 years). The latency stage brings a period of relative calm in sexual energies (about 6 years to puberty). The genital stage begins at puberty and continues into adulthood, with mature sexuality and relationships taking center stage. Because there are five distinct phases, the correct count is five.