STAGE

AGE

LIBIDINAL FOCUS

DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS AND EXPERIENCE

Oral

0-18 months

Mouth (sucking, biting)

Infant needs to get basic nurturing, or later feelings of greediness may develop

Anal

11-3 years

Anus (retaining of expelling feces)

Main developmental tasks include learning independence and learning to express negative feelings

Phallic

3-6 years

Genitals (masturbating)

Male phallic stage--- Oedipus complex, involves mother as love object for boys.

Female phallic stage--- Electra complex, involves girls strivings for father’s love and approval

Latency

6-12 years

None (sexually dormant)

A time of socialization as child turns outward and forms relationships with others

Genital

Puberty onward

Genitals (heterosexually intimate)

Adolescents can deal with sexual energy by investing it in various socially acceptable activities