Question 5

During the phallic stage of psychosexual development, a child adopts the attitudes and behaviors of the same-sex parent.

In Freud's theory, the phallic stage is crucial as it is during this period that children begin to identify with their same-sex parent, internalizing their behaviors and attitudes.

A) Oral

The oral stage occurs from birth to about 18 months and focuses on pleasure centers around the mouth. This stage is primarily about feeding and dependency, rather than the identification with parents, making it incorrect for this question.

B) Anal

The anal stage follows the oral stage and occurs from approximately 18 months to 3 years. It centers on toilet training and the control of bodily functions. While this stage involves significant parental interaction, it does not focus on the adoption of attitudes and behaviors of the same-sex parent.

C) Phallic

The phallic stage, occurring from ages 3 to 6, is where children become aware of their bodies and the differences between genders. In this stage, children begin to identify with their same-sex parent and internalize their attitudes and behaviors, making this the correct answer.

D) Latency

The latency stage occurs from about 6 years to puberty and is characterized by a period of relative calm in psychosexual development, focusing on social interactions and learning. During this stage, there is less emphasis on sexual identity and more on developing skills, thus it does not involve adopting the same-sex parent's behaviors.

Conclusion

The phallic stage is essential in Freud's psychosexual development theory, as it is during this period that children identify with their same-sex parent, shaping their future social and emotional behaviors. The other stages focus on different aspects of development, such as basic needs or social skills, which do not relate to the adoption of parental attitudes and behaviors. Therefore, option C is the definitive correct choice.