An introduction to the theory of psychosexual development and what it means for adult life
Sigmund Freud developed the theory of psychosexual development, which states that our personality is largely shaped by experiences in early childhood. Each stage of development comes with its own needs and challenges.
A fixation develops when a child gets too much or too little gratification of their needs during a particular stage. These unresolved conflicts can show up in adult life as characteristic patterns of behavior and personality traits.
It's important to understand that almost everyone carries traces of different fixations. The test helps you recognize which patterns are strongest in you.
The oral stage is the first stage of development, in which the baby explores the world mainly through the mouth. Breastfeeding, feeding and oral stimulation are at the center. A fixation develops through too much or too little gratification of needs during this stage.
In the anal stage, the child learns to control their bowel movements. Toilet training plays a central role. Parenting that is too strict or too lax can lead to a fixation.
In the phallic stage, the child discovers their genitals and develops a strong attachment to the opposite-sex parent (Oedipus or Electra complex). An unresolved conflict in this stage can lead to a phallic fixation.
A healthy, balanced profile develops when all stages of development have been passed through successfully and no significant fixations remain.