Question

Every time 4-year-old Felix touches his genitals, his parents call him a "dirty little boy" and slap his hands. According to Freud. Felix's frustration may result in an unresolved developmental conflict called ________. a. fixation b. identification c. sublimation d. denial

Short answer

a. fixation

Step-by-step solution

Understand the options

Let's look at each option: a. Fixation: This refers to when a person is "stuck" in one stage of psychosexual development. b. Identification: A psychological process where a person is influenced by another person and adopts their characteristics or behavior. c. Sublimation: Transforming unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions or behavior. d. Denial: Refusing to accept reality or fact.

Apply the context

The question describes that Felix's parents reprimand him whenever he touches his genitals, which could result in overemphasis on this behavior, due to it being overly frustrating.

Identify the correct answer

Given the definition of the terms and the context in which they're used, the most appropriate term seems to be 'fixation'. Felix may get 'stuck' (fixated) in this stage due to the overly frustrating experience, leading to an unresolved developmental conflict. So the correct answer is: a. fixation

Key concepts

Understanding Fixation in Psychosexual Development

In developmental psychology, the concept of 'fixation' plays a pivotal role in understanding how early childhood experiences can impact later behavior and personality traits. Fixation occurs when an individual's psychological development is halted at a certain stage due to excessive gratification or frustration of needs associated with that stage. In the context of the exercise involving 4-year-old Felix, his parents' negative reaction to his natural exploration may cause him to become fixated at the phallic stage of Freudian psychosexual development.

Normally, moving through the stages involves mastering the specific challenges inherent in each one. However, in Felix's case, the painful responses from his parents could leave a lasting impression that might manifest in adulthood in various ways such as anxiety, defiance, or hypersexuality. The goal of understanding fixation is to recognize the influence of early experiences in shaping an individual's future behavior. It is essential to bear in mind that fixation is more of a theoretical concept and not all psychological experts fully agree on its implications or existence.

Freudian Theory and Its Impact on Psychology

Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development is one of the most debated and influential concepts in the field of psychology. Central to the Freudian theory is the belief that personality develops through a series of stages: the oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages. Each stage is characterized by the erogenous zones that are the focus of a child's psychic energy.

According to Freud, challenges in any stage can lead to fixation, which often results in psychological consequences throughout adult life. Despite its criticism over the years for being non-empirical and overly focused on sexuality, Freudian theory has prompted extensive research on childhood experiences impacting adult personality. This theoretical framework continues to be taught as a critical historical perspective within developmental psychology courses and offers a foundational understanding of human behavior and mental processes.

Developmental Psychology: Growth and Change Through Life

Developmental psychology is the branch of psychology that examines how people grow and change throughout their lives. This field encompasses everything from physical and cognitive development to social and emotional growth. Developmental psychologists study a variety of developmental stages, from prenatal development to old age, seeking to understand the patterns and factors that contribute to the human experience.

Freudian theory falls under the umbrella of developmental psychology and emphasizes the importance of the early years in shaping an individual's future. Although Freud's ideas are considered somewhat controversial, they have been instrumental in the creation of numerous other developmental theories and research agendas. It is crucial for students to grasp the broad range of concepts within developmental psychology, as it offers deep insights into the continuous process of becoming who we are, influenced not only by biology but also by environment and experiences.