What is the oral stage?

Charlotte Taylor | 2023-06-09 20:02:53 | page views:1268
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Alexander Adams

Works at Apple, Lives in Cupertino. Graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
As a psychologist with a focus on psychoanalytical theory, I can provide an in-depth explanation of the oral stage in the context of Freudian psychoanalysis. This stage is crucial in understanding the development of human personality and behavior patterns.

Step 1: English Explanation

The oral stage is the first of five psychosexual stages of development as described by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis. This stage occurs during the first 18 months of life and is characterized by the infant's primary focus on the mouth as the source of pleasure and satisfaction. Freud believed that the experiences and gratifications an individual receives during this stage have a profound impact on their future personality development.

During the oral stage, the infant's world revolves around the fulfillment of needs, particularly those related to feeding and the comfort that comes from the mother's care. The infant experiences pleasure (also known as "oral pleasure") through activities such as sucking, swallowing, and biting. The primary erogenous zone, according to Freud, is the mouth, which is the center of sensory experience and gratification at this stage.

Freud posited that there are two sub-phases within the oral stage: the oral-sadistic phase and the oral-incorporative phase. The oral-sadistic phase is marked by the infant's aggressive tendencies, such as biting, which Freud believed were a manifestation of the death instinct. The oral-incorporative phase, on the other hand, is characterized by the infant's desire to take in and incorporate objects, reflecting the life instinct.

The way in which the child's needs are met during this stage can lead to one of three possible outcomes: a healthy resolution, fixation, or regression. If the child's needs are adequately met, they progress to the next stage with a healthy sense of trust and security. However, if the child experiences excessive frustration or overindulgence, they may develop an oral fixation or oral regression. An oral fixation occurs when the individual becomes overly focused on oral sensations and may exhibit behaviors such as overeating, smoking, or excessive talking in adulthood. Regression to the oral stage can happen when an adult faces stress and reverts to behaviors associated with this stage, such as thumb-sucking or nail-biting.

Freud also suggested that the experiences of the oral stage could lead to the development of certain character traits. For instance, individuals with an oral character may be gregarious, optimistic, and outgoing if they were well-nurtured during this stage. Conversely, those who experienced deprivation may develop traits such as pessimism, stinginess, or a tendency to be passive-aggressive.

It's important to note that Freud's theories, while influential, have been subject to criticism and debate within the field of psychology. Some of his concepts have not been supported by empirical evidence, and many contemporary psychologists prefer to use a more nuanced approach to understanding human development.

Step 2: Divider


2024-05-11 21:02:29

Dominic Young

Works at Netflix, Lives in Los Gatos, CA
In Freudian psychoanalysis, the term oral stage or hemitaxia denotes the first psychosexual development stage wherein the mouth of the infant is his or her primary erogenous zone.
2023-06-13 20:02:53

Lucas Turner

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
In Freudian psychoanalysis, the term oral stage or hemitaxia denotes the first psychosexual development stage wherein the mouth of the infant is his or her primary erogenous zone.
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