Personality Development

Describe Freud's theory of personality development (8 marks)

Personality consists of id, ego & superego -- these work together to create complex behaviours.

One of features of this interaction = forces are in conflict.

Ego's ability to function despite these competing forces = 'ego strength' -- develops naturally with age but may be enhanced or developed by life experiences.

Freud suggested children go through 5 stages of development. At each stage, libido (sexual energy) focuses on one area: 

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  • Oral                            Oh Alan, Please Lets Go!
  • Anal 
  • Phallic
  • Latency
  • Genital

* Links to assumption that behaviour is affected by childhood experiences.*

Oral stage (0-18 months):

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  • Focus of libido --…