Which of the following best describes the "Anal Stage" in Freud's developmental theory?

The description of the "Anal Stage" as a focus on control over bowel movements accurately reflects Sigmund Freud's psychosexual stages of development. This stage typically occurs from about 18 months to 3 years of age, during which children gain control over their bodily functions, particularly during toilet training. Freud believed that this phase is crucial for developing a sense of competence and autonomy, as children learn to manage their bodily functions according to societal expectations.

During the anal stage, children experience gratification from the ability to withhold or expel bowel movements. The manner in which parents handle toilet training can lead to different personality traits in the child. For instance, overly strict toilet training may result in traits associated with being anal-retentive, such as obsessiveness and orderliness, while overly lenient training could lead to anal-expulsive traits like messiness and disorganization.

While the other options—sexual urges, oral pleasures, and social interactions—are relevant to other stages in Freud's theory (the phallic stage, oral stage, and stages relating to broader socialization), they do not pertain specifically to the psychoanalytic concept of the anal stage. Therefore, the focus on bowel movement control is the correct and defining characteristic of this developmental phase.