In Freud's stages of psychosexual development, what stage occurs from ages 3 to 6?

• A. Genital
• B. Anal
• C. Phallic
• D. Latent

Answer: (C)

The stage that occurs from ages 3 to 6 in Freud's psychosexual development theory is the Phallic stage. During this phase, children become more aware of their bodies and the differences between genders. This stage is characterized by the development of sexual identification, where children begin to explore their own bodies and may exhibit an attraction to the opposite-sex parent, known as the Oedipus complex for boys and the Electra complex for girls.

Children at this stage are also learning about social norms and parental guidance, which contributes to their understanding of gender roles and their place in society. The focus on the genitals in this stage is significant as it represents the exploration of personal identity and sexuality, which are crucial aspects of developmental psychology. This stage is foundational for the formation of the superego, as children assimilate cultural and parental expectations regarding behavior associated with their gender.

Other stages mentioned do not correspond to the specific age range of 3 to 6 years: the Anal stage (focused on toilet training) occurs from approximately ages 1 to 3, the Genital stage (where mature sexual relations are established) begins around the onset of puberty, and the Latent stage (a period of relative calm in sexual development) occurs