Which theory posits that thumb-sucking is a normal behavior in infants?

Which theory posits that thumb-sucking is a normal behavior in infants?

• A. Behaviorist theory
• B. Cognitive developmental theory
• C. Sigmund Freud-psychoanalytic theory
• D. Humanistic theory

Answer: (C)

In Freud's psychoanalytic theory, development unfolds through psychosexual stages, and the first stage—the oral stage—spans from birth to about 18 months. During this period the mouth is the primary source of pleasure, so sucking, biting, and oral exploration are natural ways infants experience gratification and comfort. Thumb-sucking fits neatly into this stage as a normal behavior that helps soothe and satisfy needs before the emergence of more advanced verbal and cognitive abilities. Other theories might describe thumb-sucking in different terms—behaviorism would emphasize reinforcement, cognitive development would focus on sensorimotor exploration, and humanistic approaches would look at general needs and growth—but within the psychosexual framework, thumb-sucking is a typical, expected part of early infancy.

In Freud's psychoanalytic theory, development unfolds through psychosexual stages, and the first stage—the oral stage—spans from birth to about 18 months. During this period the mouth is the primary source of pleasure, so sucking, biting, and oral exploration are natural ways infants experience gratification and comfort. Thumb-sucking fits neatly into this stage as a normal behavior that helps soothe and satisfy needs before the emergence of more advanced verbal and cognitive abilities. Other theories might describe thumb-sucking in different terms—behaviorism would emphasize reinforcement, cognitive development would focus on sensorimotor exploration, and humanistic approaches would look at general needs and growth—but within the psychosexual framework, thumb-sucking is a typical, expected part of early infancy.