Master Psychosexual Stages of Development (Overview) with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

During the 2nd stage of psychosexual development, defecation and toilet training are a major issue. The release of tension at elimination is the erogenous pleasure in defecation. External demands are placed on the child at this stage, as they are told to "go" at certain times and in certain places not of his or her own choosing.

The phallic stage is when children become fascinated with genitals. They ask about anatomical differences in boys and girls, and begin to manipulate their own genitals. During the phallic stage, males and females begin to view their mothers differently, and these changes are described as the Oedipus and Electra complexes. The superego undergoes final development during this time. This stage ranges from the ages of 3-6 years.

In the latency stage, a child is less influenced by sexual and aggressive instincts. They begin to focus attention on forming friendships, attending school and learning about the world outside of the family. This stage ranges from the age of 6-11.

The genital stage describes sexual instincts reasserting themselves in adolescence. Sexuality and pleasure are not self-centered, and the person develops an interest in sexual gratification of another person. The person in this stage is able to love someone other than themself and do constructive work for society.