US High School Psychology Practice Exam

What psychosexual stage is Ian in when he seeks pleasure through sucking and oral exploration?

1. Phallic

2. Latent

3. Oral

4. Genital

The correct answer is: Oral

The correct answer is that Ian is in the oral stage of psychosexual development. According to Sigmund Freud's theory, the oral stage occurs from birth to about 18 months of age. During this stage, an infant's primary source of interaction with the world occurs through the mouth. This includes activities such as sucking, biting, and oral exploration, which play a critical role in the child's development and gratification. In the oral stage, the pleasure derived from oral activities is fundamental for the infant's sense of comfort and trust. Successful navigation of this stage can set the groundwork for healthier relationships in the future. If an individual's needs are either overly gratified or deeply frustrated during this stage, it can lead to fixation, which may manifest in behaviors associated with dependency or aggression later in life. The other stages listed do not pertain to the oral stage. The phallic stage, which follows the oral stage, involves the development of pleasure derived from the genital area and the exploration of gender identity. The latent stage occurs later, characterized by a decrease in sexual interest and a focus on social relationships and skills. Finally, the genital stage emerges during adolescence, emphasizing mature sexual intimacy and relationships. Each stage is distinct and builds upon the experiences of prior stages