US High School Psychology Practice Exam

What is the correct sequence of Freud's psychosexual stages of development?

1. Phallic, genital, oral, anal, latency

2. Oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital

3. Anal, oral, phallic, genital, latency

4. Latent, genital, oral, anal, phallic

The correct answer is: Oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital

The correct sequence of Freud's psychosexual stages of development is indeed oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital. In understanding this sequence, it's important to recognize the role that each stage plays in shaping personality and behavior as individuals develop. The oral stage occurs from birth to about 18 months, when an infant's pleasure centers on the mouth, leading to behaviors such as sucking and biting. Following this is the anal stage, from approximately 18 months to 3 years, where the focus of pleasure shifts to bowel and bladder control. The phallic stage comes next, from ages 3 to 6, characterized by exploration of the genitals and the development of the Oedipus or Electra complex. The latency stage, occurring from about 6 years to puberty, involves a period of relative calm, where sexual feelings are suppressed and children focus on social interactions and skills. Finally, the genital stage begins at puberty and represents the maturation of sexual interests, characterized by the establishment of mature sexual relationships. This understanding of the stages is crucial for comprehending Freud's broader theories regarding personality development and the importance of childhood experiences.