Which stage is associated with psychosexual conflicts centered on the genitals?

Which stage is associated with psychosexual conflicts centered on the genitals?

• A. Oral stage
• B. Anal stage
• C. Phallic stage
• D. Latency stage

Answer: (C)

Genitals as the focus of sexual and identity-related conflicts happens during the phallic stage. In this stage, roughly between ages 3 and 6, the genitals become the primary erogenous zone and children grapple with the Oedipus complex (boys) or the Electra complex (girls). Resolving these feelings through identification with the same-sex parent helps form the superego and a sense of gender identity, setting the stage for later development. Other stages revolve around different areas or times: the oral stage centers on the mouth and feeding, the anal stage on toilet training and control, the latency stage is a quieter period with sexual feelings sublimated, and the genital stage reappears later in adolescence as mature sexual functioning emerges.

Genitals as the focus of sexual and identity-related conflicts happens during the phallic stage. In this stage, roughly between ages 3 and 6, the genitals become the primary erogenous zone and children grapple with the Oedipus complex (boys) or the Electra complex (girls). Resolving these feelings through identification with the same-sex parent helps form the superego and a sense of gender identity, setting the stage for later development.

Other stages revolve around different areas or times: the oral stage centers on the mouth and feeding, the anal stage on toilet training and control, the latency stage is a quieter period with sexual feelings sublimated, and the genital stage reappears later in adolescence as mature sexual functioning emerges.