The oral phase is one of the most important stages of human psychosexual development, as described by Sigmund Freud. At this stage, the child learns to relate to the world around him through the mouth, which is the main erogenous zone. It is a period of great curiosity and exploitation, where the child begins to understand the relationships between things and people.
Introduction to the oral phase
The oral phase occurs from birth to approximately 18 months of age. During this period, the child feeds on the chest or bottle, and the mouth is the main source of pleasure and satisfaction. Suction is a natural activity necessary for survival, and is also a means of exploring the environment.
In addition to suction, the child also begins to explore the world through touch and vision. She learns to distinguish between different textures, flavors and smells, and begins to understand the relationships between things. The oral phase is fundamental for the development of the child’s personality and sexuality.
Oral phase characteristics
Some of the main features of the oral phase include suction, chewing and exploitation of the environment through the mouth. The child also begins to develop the ability to discriminate between different flavors and textures, which helps refine their perception of the world.
The oral phase is also a period of great dependence on parents or caregivers. The child needs to be fed, protected and cared for to survive, which creates a strong emotional connection between the child and the adults. This connection is fundamental for the development of the child’s self -esteem and trust.
Oral phase fixations
An oral phase fixation occurs when the child cannot advance to the next stage of psychosexual development. This can happen for several reasons, including food problems, parental separation or lack of attention and care.
Oral phase fixations can lead to behaviors such as smoking, chewing gum or eating compulsively. These behaviors are a form of childhood regression when the mouth was the main source of pleasure and satisfaction. In addition, oral phase fixations can also influence the person’s personality, making them more dependent or insecure.
Consequences of the oral phase fixations
The consequences of oral phase fixations can be serious and affect the person’s life in many ways. For example, a person with fixation in the oral phase may have difficulty establishing healthy relationships as it may be very dependent or possessive. In addition, oral phase fixations can also lead to health problems such as obesity or smoking -related diseases.
However, it is important to note that oral phase fixations are not inevitable and can be overcome with professional help. A psychoanalyst can help the person understand the reasons behind their fixation and develop strategies to overcome it.
In short, the oral phase is a fundamental stage of human psychosexual development, and fixations in this phase can have serious consequences. However, with professional help and self -knowledge, it is possible to overcome these fixations and develop a healthy and balanced personality.
