Freud’s Theory of Psychosexual Development

fixation of libido, meaning the libido is to some extent ―stuck‖ in one particular erogenous zone. According to Freud, such fixations may play a role in various problems and maladaptive behaviors, including overeating, constipation, pedophilia, exhibitionism, fetishism, and sexual dysfunctions.

Freud‘s theory is, as are all theories, a set of concepts, not a set of facts. Freud‘s theory has received its share of criticism. For example, research suggests that although self-stimulation of the phallus is relatively common in children, it is not, as Freud thought, a behavior pattern demonstrated by almost all children. The Freud‘s outline suggests that much can go wrong with sexual development. There can be too much excitation and arousal associated with one of the stages. Or, conversely, there can be too much inhibition, punishment, or emotional injury associated with one of the stages. Freud indicated that either too much excitation or too much inhibition can induce a fixation of libido, meaning the libido is to some

extent ―stuck‖ in one particular erogenous zone. According to Freud, such fixations may play a role in various problems and maladaptive behaviors, including overeating, constipation, pedophilia, exhibitionism, fetishism, and sexual dysfunctions.

Freud‘s theory is, as are all theories, a set of concepts, not a set of facts. Freud‘s theory has received its share of criticism. For example, research suggests that although self-stimulation of the phallus is relatively common in children, it is not, as Freud thought, a behavior pattern demonstrated by almost all children. The psychoanalyst Karen Horney, one of Freud‘s advocates, rejected the biological sexuality of the Oedipus complex. Instead, Horney suggested that, for example, a male child is often jealous of the position of power and importance the father has with the mother. The male child has a forbidden wish to take the father‘s place, not so much as a sexual rival, but as a psychological one.