Freud believed that smoking, overeating, and habitual gum chewing could result from fixation in the __ stage.
a. genital
b. oral
c. anal
d. phallic
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
b. oral
Explanation:
Sigmund Freud’s psychosexual development theory suggests that personality develops through a series of stages, each focused on a particular erogenous zone. The oral stage is the first stage, occurring from birth to approximately 18 months. During this period, an infant’s pleasure is centered around the mouth. Activities such as sucking, biting, and chewing provide gratification and a sense of comfort.
Freud proposed that if a child’s oral needs are either overindulged (e.g., excessive breastfeeding) or frustrated (e.g., abrupt weaning), they may develop an oral fixation that persists into adulthood. This fixation can manifest in behaviors such as:
- Smoking – Satisfying oral urges through inhaling and exhaling smoke.
- Overeating – Finding comfort in food, particularly through excessive chewing or eating.
- Chewing gum habitually – Engaging in repetitive oral behaviors to cope with stress or anxiety.
- Nail-biting, pencil-chewing, or excessive talking – Other ways oral fixation can manifest.
People with an oral fixation may develop personality traits associated with the oral stage, such as dependency, gullibility, or a tendency to be overly talkative. Freud believed these individuals seek oral stimulation to compensate for unmet needs from infancy.
In contrast, the other stages (anal, phallic, and genital) focus on different erogenous zones and psychological conflicts. The anal stage (1.5–3 years) involves control over elimination and fixation could lead to either excessive neatness or messiness. The phallic stage (3–6 years) involves exploration of gender identity, while the genital stage (puberty onward) focuses on mature relationships.
Thus, Freud believed that behaviors like smoking, overeating, and habitual gum chewing are linked to fixation in the oral stage of psychosexual development.