How many stages are outlined in Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development?

Freud's theory of psychosexual development consists of five distinct stages. These stages are categorized as the oral stage, anal stage, phallic stage, latency stage, and genital stage. Each stage is characterized by the pleasure-seeking energies of the id being focused on specific erogenous zones, and they are crucial in shaping personality and behavior.

The five stages represent different challenges and experiences that individuals face during their early years of development, each influencing psychological growth. For instance, during the oral stage, which occurs from birth to about 18 months, infants derive pleasure primarily from activities involving the mouth, such as sucking and biting. As development progresses through the stages, the focus shifts and becomes more complex, culminating in the genital stage that begins at puberty.

Understanding these stages is vital for grasping Freudian psychoanalysis, as Freud believed that unresolved conflicts during any of these stages could lead to fixation and influence adult behaviors and personality traits.