ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

What are the five stages of psychosexual development according to Freud?

1. Oral, Phallic, Genital, Latent

2. Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latent, Genital

3. Phallic, Latent, Oedipal, Anal

4. Anal, Genital, Oral, Castration

The correct answer is: Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latent, Genital

The five stages of psychosexual development according to Freud include oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital. Each stage represents a different period of development where the child's pleasure-seeking activities are focused on specific erogenous zones. In the oral stage, which occurs from birth to about 18 months, infants derive pleasure from oral activities such as sucking and biting. The anal stage follows, occurring roughly between 18 months and three years, where the focus shifts to bowel and bladder control. The phallic stage occurs from ages three to six, during which children become aware of their bodies and the differences between genders, often illustrated by the Oedipus complex. After this, the latent stage occurs from about six years to puberty, where sexual feelings are largely repressed and children focus on social interactions and skills. Finally, in the genital stage, starting in puberty, individuals develop mature sexual relationships and focus on giving pleasure to others. Recognizing this structure is essential for understanding Freud's theory of personality development and the impacts of these early stages on adult behavior and relationships. The correct sequence is crucial for comprehension of Freud's broader theoretical framework, which emphasizes how early experiences shape later personality and behavior.