PSYC 333 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Libido, Genital Stage, Oedipus Complex

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 333
• Professor: Caroline F Pukall

Document Summary

Theories guide how researchers examine a topic, facilitates researchers" interpretation of results, and helps researchers come up with predictions, or hypotheses etc. Oral stage (birth to two years): erogenous zone: area of the body with heightened sensitivity. Libidinal energy: psychic energy associated with mental desires and drives. If infant is not satisfied in his/her need to suck/bite etc, libidinal energy is block and child may experience fixation. Fixation: condition that occurs when needs are not met in childhood. Fixation results in particular adult personality traits like dependence or aggression. Anal stage (2 to 4 years): major change of anal stage is mastering control over one"s bladder and bowel movements, fixation at this stage results in strong focus on cleanliness, orderliness, or carelessness, and lack of self-control. Latency stage (6 to puberty): all libidinal energy is said to lie dormant, but preadolescence is marked by an increase in interest in all things sexual.