Which stage is described as the fourth psychosexual stage, focusing on the development of intellectual, creative, interpersonal, and athletic skills?

Which stage is described as the fourth psychosexual stage, focusing on the development of intellectual, creative, interpersonal, and athletic skills?

• A. Oral Stage
• B. Anal Stage
• C. Latency Stage
• D. Genital Stage

Answer: (C)

During the latency period, sexual feelings are repressed and energy is redirected into developing skills and social abilities. This makes it the stage where intellectual, creative, interpersonal, and athletic growth tends to flourish, as the focus shifts from earlier exploratory drives to mastering talents and forming friendships. It’s the fourth stage in Freud’s sequence, fitting the description of concentrating on non-sexual, growth-oriented development. In contrast, earlier stages center on basic needs and control (mouth-related in the oral stage, toilet and control in the anal stage), while the later genital stage involves sexual maturation and mature intimate relationships.

During the latency period, sexual feelings are repressed and energy is redirected into developing skills and social abilities. This makes it the stage where intellectual, creative, interpersonal, and athletic growth tends to flourish, as the focus shifts from earlier exploratory drives to mastering talents and forming friendships. It’s the fourth stage in Freud’s sequence, fitting the description of concentrating on non-sexual, growth-oriented development. In contrast, earlier stages center on basic needs and control (mouth-related in the oral stage, toilet and control in the anal stage), while the later genital stage involves sexual maturation and mature intimate relationships.