Anal Stage
This is a sample of an introduction of a research paper on the anal stage. Paper Masters can produce a custom model project for you.
The anal stage is the second phase in Sigmund Freuds five-stage theory of childhood and adolescent psychosexual development. At each stage the libido-that is, the emotional and psychic energy associated with a biological instinct-is focused on a different area of the body. The anal stage begins at around 18 months of age and lasts until about age three. During this period, the individual is preoccupied with the challenges and rewards that result from learning to control bowel and bladder functions.
The following are Freud's stages of psychosexual development:
- The first stage was the oral stage (0-1 year). Babies focus on their mouth to feel pleasurable sensations.
- Secondly, in the anal stage (1-3 years), babies focus on pleasure received through elimination. The baby learns to control this function at this age.
- Thirdly, the phallic stage (3-6 years) includes children who are obtaining gratification through their genitals. They masturbate, and they fantasize about their opposite sex parent. This causes the first feelings of guilt and shame.
- The next stage is the latency stage (7 years-puberty). Physical urges are submerged while children focus on learning about the world.
- Finally, the genital stage (adolescence) occurs when young people exhibit adult sexual desires.
Anal Stage Positive Reinforcement
Freud believed that a child's success in negotiating this stage depends largely on how the parents approach toilet training. Ideally, parents rely on positive reinforcement when the child uses the toilet in an appropriate manner. Children who receive such reinforcement are likely to feel senses of self-control and proficiency. They are making important progress on the road to competent, well-rounded adulthood. Unfortunately, however, some parents fail to provide positive support and reassurance during this critical stage. Some parents pay inadequate attention to, or are overly lenient about, toilet training and related tasks. Their children are liable to develop what Freud termed "anal expulsive" personalities -which are characterized by disorganization, carelessness, and emotional instability. On the other hand, children of parents who are overly strict and/or premature in their approach to potty training are liable to develop anal-retentive personalities. Frequently referred to in the popular culture simply as an "anal" personality, this type is marked by rigidity, "uptightness," and obsessive orderliness.
Related Research Paper Topic Suggestions
A Primer of Freudian Psychology - A Primer of Freudian Psychology Research Papers examine Calvin Hall's book that allows the general reader to understand Freudian psychology.
Ego - Ego papers examine the second part of Sigmund Freud’s classic division of human personality. The ID and the Super Ego can also be studied in light of psychological theories.
Erik Erikson - Erik Erikson Research Papers delve into his theory of emotional development. As one of the most famous psychologists, Erik Erikson research papers may overview his achievements, his psychological theories or compare and constrast his theories to other great psychologists.
Eros and Thanatos - Eros and Thanatos research papers discuss Sigmund Freud's theory that human beings have an instinct for life which he called Eros, and an opposing drive towards death, which he named Thanatos.
Freud - Freud research papers discuss Freud and his psychological theories. Paper Masters will custom write research on Sigmund Freud and any aspect of his life or work, including his thoughts on the nature of religion.
Freud Latency Stage - Freud Latency Stage research papers look into the fourth stage of Sigmund Freud’s 5-stage framework of childhood and adolescent psychosexual development.
Freuds Psychosexual Development Theory - Freud's Psychosexual Development Theory research papers discuss Sigmund Freud's studies in behavioral changes that focus on the areas of the body that include the mouth, anus, and genital areas.
Genital Stage - Genital Stage Research Papers examine the final stage in Freud's psychosexual development theory.
Id - Id term papers look at the first part of Sigmund Freud’s three-part psychic makeup of human beings.
Latency Stage - Latency Stage research papers look into the fourth major phase of psychical and sexual development that lasts from around the age of five or six until the time of puberty.
Oedipal Phase - Oedipal Phase research papers discuss a subset of Freud’s phallic stage, which occurs between the ages of 4 and 6, that is marked by conflict between the young child and his or her parents.
Oedipus Complex - Oedipus Complex research papers discuss the unconscious desire to sexually possess one’s opposite sex parent.
Oral Stage - Oral Stage Research Papers examine the first of five stages in Freud’s psychosexual development theory.
Orgone Energy - Orgone Energy research papers overview the hypothetical life force first developed by Wilhelm Reich.
Pleasure Principle - Research papers on the pleasture principle examine the foundations of Freudian psychology, the idea that the human being will instinctively seek to avoid pain and seek out pleasure in the drive to satisfy psychological and biological urges.
Psychodynamic Theory - Psychodynamic Theory research papers analyze the processes of the mind, where flows of energy pass through the organic structure of the brain.
Sigmund Freud - Sigmund Freud Research Papers examine the philosophies of psychoanalytic therapy.
Stages of Gender Development - A research paper on the stages of gender development discuss the various theories that explain how gender develops in children.
Superego - Superego essays discuss the third and final part of Sigmund Freud’s classic understanding of human consciousness.
The Phallic Stage - Phallic Stage research papers examine Freud’s third stage in his psychosexual development theory.