In Freud's theory, which stage is associated with the mouth and occurs in the first 18 months?

In Freud's theory, which stage is associated with the mouth and occurs in the first 18 months?

• A. Anal Stage
• B. Oral Stage; Pleasure centers in the mouth
• C. Phallic Stage
• D. Latency Stage

Answer: (B)

Freud’s psychosexual theory holds that personality develops through a sequence of stages, each with a distinctive erogenous zone where pleasure is focused. The first stage is the oral stage, where the infant’s pleasure comes from the mouth—feeding, sucking, and later biting. This period lasts roughly from birth to about 18 months, shaping early experiences of trust and dependence through oral activities. If gratification in this stage is either overemphasized or frustrated, it can influence later behaviors, leading to oral tendencies such as nail-biting or excessive swallowing, or a strong need for oral reassurance. The other stages involve different body zones and occur later: the anal stage centers on bowel and bladder control, the phallic stage involves the genitals and includes early family dynamics, and the latency stage is a quieter period before puberty. Therefore, the stage associated with the mouth during the first 18 months is the oral stage.

Freud’s psychosexual theory holds that personality develops through a sequence of stages, each with a distinctive erogenous zone where pleasure is focused. The first stage is the oral stage, where the infant’s pleasure comes from the mouth—feeding, sucking, and later biting. This period lasts roughly from birth to about 18 months, shaping early experiences of trust and dependence through oral activities. If gratification in this stage is either overemphasized or frustrated, it can influence later behaviors, leading to oral tendencies such as nail-biting or excessive swallowing, or a strong need for oral reassurance. The other stages involve different body zones and occur later: the anal stage centers on bowel and bladder control, the phallic stage involves the genitals and includes early family dynamics, and the latency stage is a quieter period before puberty. Therefore, the stage associated with the mouth during the first 18 months is the oral stage.