Psychoanalytical theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, posits that human behavior is determined by unconscious drives and conflicts that originate in childhood experiences. According to Freud, the development of an individual occurs in stages, each of which is characterized by a focus on different erogenous zones of the body. These stages include the oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages.
The oral stage occurs from birth to around 18 months of age and is focused on the mouth as the primary erogenous zone. During this stage, infants derive pleasure from sucking and biting. If a child experiences frustration or overindulgence during this stage, it can lead to fixation or regression in later life, resulting in behaviors such as dependency or oral aggression.
The anal stage occurs from around 18 months to 3 years of age and is focused on the anus as the primary erogenous zone. During this stage, children experience pleasure from controlling their bowel movements. If a child experiences harsh toilet training or excessive control during this stage, it can lead to anal-retentive or anal-expulsive personality traits in adulthood.
The phallic stage occurs from around 3 to 6 years of age and is focused on the genitals as the primary erogenous zone. During this stage, children develop unconscious sexual desires for the opposite-sex parent and feelings of rivalry with the same-sex parent, known as the Oedipus or Electra complex. Failure to resolve these conflicts can lead to difficulties in forming healthy relationships and sexual dysfunction in adulthood.
The latency stage occurs from around 6 years to puberty and is characterized by a suppression of sexual impulses and a focus on developing social and cognitive skills. During this stage, children form relationships with same-sex peers and focus on school and other activities.
The genital stage occurs from puberty onwards and is focused on the genitals as the primary erogenous zone. During this stage, individuals develop mature sexual relationships and a sense of identity and purpose.
In counseling, a psychoanalytical therapist may explore a client's childhood experiences and how they may have influenced their current behaviors and relationships. By understanding how early experiences in the oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages have shaped an individual's development, the therapist can help the client gain insight into their unconscious conflicts and work towards resolving them. This process can lead to greater self-awareness, personal growth, and improved mental health.