AAMC FL Practice Exam

At what age does Freud's Genital Stage begin?

1. 0-1 years

2. 1-3 years

3. 3-6 years

4. 12+ years

The correct answer is: 12+ years

Freud's Genital Stage begins at approximately age 12 and continues through adulthood. This stage is characterized by the maturation of sexual interests and the development of mature sexual relationships. During this period, individuals focus on relationships outside of the family, seeking connections that can lead to meaningful romantic and sexual bonds. It signifies a shift from the self-oriented tendencies seen in earlier stages to the broader social interactions and responsibilities that come with developing into an adult. In contrast, the earlier stages, such as the oral (0-1 years), anal (1-3 years), and phallic (3-6 years), deal with different aspects of personality development and fixation. Thus, the Genital Stage stands out as a crucial phase in Freud’s psychosexual development theory, marking the transition into a more socially engaged and sexually aware period of life.