CVRP Domain 1 – Vocational Rehabilitation Practice Test

The Phallic Stage is the developmental stage in Freud's theory that specifically emphasizes the genitals as the primary focus of pleasure and conflict. This stage typically occurs between the ages of three and six years, where children become aware of their own bodies and the differences between genders. During this time, Freud introduced the concept of the Oedipus complex for boys and the Electra complex for girls, where young children develop a subconscious attraction to the opposite-sex parent while feeling rivalry toward the same-sex parent.

This stage is crucial for the formation of gender identity and the development of the superego, as children begin to internalize societal norms and values regarding sexual roles. The feelings and conflicts arising during this stage play a significant role in influencing personality and behavior later in life. Understanding the significance of the Phallic Stage is essential in the context of Freud’s broader psychoanalytic theory, which looks at how early experiences shape personality development.