Question 26

Sigmund Freud developed the concept of oral pleasure as being the base of attachment between an infant and a mother.

Freud's theory posits that oral fixation during the oral stage of development is critical for establishing a bond between the infant and caregiver, primarily the mother, as it centers around the infant's needs for nourishment and comfort.

A) Erik Erikson

Erikson is known for his theory of psychosocial development, which focuses on the impact of social experience across the lifespan. While he emphasizes the importance of early relationships, he did not specifically develop the concept of oral pleasure as a foundation for attachment, making this option incorrect.

B) Sigmund Freud

Freud is indeed the psychoanalyst who introduced the idea of oral pleasure during the oral stage of psychosexual development. He argued that the infant's interactions and experiences related to oral gratification play a vital role in forming the attachment bond with the mother, thus making this option correct.

C) Margaret and Harry Harlow

Harlow's research primarily focused on the importance of comfort and security in attachment through experiments with rhesus monkeys. While their work is crucial in understanding attachment, it does not specifically relate to the concept of oral pleasure, making this option incorrect.

D) John Bowlby

Bowlby is recognized for his attachment theory, emphasizing the emotional bond between infants and their caregivers. However, his theories do not center around oral pleasure, and thus this choice does not align with the question’s context.

Conclusion

Sigmund Freud's emphasis on oral pleasure as a foundational element of infant attachment makes his contributions uniquely relevant to this question. In contrast, the other options either focus on different aspects of development or do not address the specific concept of oral pleasure, confirming that Freud is the definitive answer.