AAMC FL Practice Exam

At what age does the Anal Stage of Freud's Psychosexual Stages occur?

1. 0-1 years

2. 1-3 years

3. 3-6 years

4. 6-12 years

The correct answer is: 1-3 years

The Anal Stage of Freud's Psychosexual Stages occurs between the ages of 1 and 3 years. This stage is characterized by a child's focus on controlling bladder and bowel movements. Freud believed that successful resolution of this stage results in a sense of independence and control, as children learn to navigate their bodily functions. Challenges during this stage can lead to personality traits later in life, such as orderliness or messiness, which Freud referred to as "anal-retentive" or "anal-expulsive" personalities, respectively. Understanding this stage is crucial as it lays the foundation for autonomy and the development of ego functions in early childhood psychology.