According to psycho-analytic theory, there are different stages of personality which are commonly known as 'Phases of Psychosexual Development'.
ORAL STAGE
This phase extends from birth to about 1.6 years of age. During this period, the existence of the child is centered around his mouth. He tries to know the world through it and puts every new object in his mouth.
ANAL PHASE
This phase extends from 1.6 to about 3 years. During this phase, the child becomes less dependent on sucking. During this period, the sensory and motor functions of the child are improved. He begins to develop a sense of cleanliness, orderliness and punctuality.
GENITAL PHASE
The genital phase, also called 'oedipal period', extends from three years to about seven years. The child begins to see in terms of sex differences.
PERIOD OF LATENCY
This period extends from 7 to about 11 years. This is a latent period during which no active process regarding personality development occurs. The child is, however, full of energy for learning. It is a period of hero worship and he may develop many characteristics of his ideal personalities.
PUBERTY AND ADOLESCENCE
Puberty and adolescence play a very important role in the development of personality. A number of physiological changes take place, which have a deep impact on the emotional life of the child. There is physical growth from the stature of a child to that of an adult.
ADULT LIFE
This phase extends from about 20 years to the onset on old age. A mature adult has the capacity to work, to create, to enjoy, and to fulfil all his responsibilities in a satisfactory way. He has stability and is free from any emotional conflicts. This is only possible if all the previous phases of development have been satisfactory.
OLD AGE AND SENILITY
Under normal circumstances, old age is a period of usefulness.
Senility is not an essential feature of old age. It is a state in which an individual shows the weaknesses and disease of old age. It represents a reversion rather than a development of the personality.
ORAL STAGE
This phase extends from birth to about 1.6 years of age. During this period, the existence of the child is centered around his mouth. He tries to know the world through it and puts every new object in his mouth.
ANAL PHASE
This phase extends from 1.6 to about 3 years. During this phase, the child becomes less dependent on sucking. During this period, the sensory and motor functions of the child are improved. He begins to develop a sense of cleanliness, orderliness and punctuality.
GENITAL PHASE
The genital phase, also called 'oedipal period', extends from three years to about seven years. The child begins to see in terms of sex differences.
PERIOD OF LATENCY
This period extends from 7 to about 11 years. This is a latent period during which no active process regarding personality development occurs. The child is, however, full of energy for learning. It is a period of hero worship and he may develop many characteristics of his ideal personalities.
PUBERTY AND ADOLESCENCE
Puberty and adolescence play a very important role in the development of personality. A number of physiological changes take place, which have a deep impact on the emotional life of the child. There is physical growth from the stature of a child to that of an adult.
ADULT LIFE
This phase extends from about 20 years to the onset on old age. A mature adult has the capacity to work, to create, to enjoy, and to fulfil all his responsibilities in a satisfactory way. He has stability and is free from any emotional conflicts. This is only possible if all the previous phases of development have been satisfactory.
OLD AGE AND SENILITY
Under normal circumstances, old age is a period of usefulness.
Senility is not an essential feature of old age. It is a state in which an individual shows the weaknesses and disease of old age. It represents a reversion rather than a development of the personality.