Anal Stage
Definition
The anal stage is Freud's second psychosexual developmental phase (from 18 months to three years) where pleasure focuses on bowel and bladder elimination; coping with demands for control can lead to fixation on orderliness or messiness.
Analogy
Imagine potty training a toddler. It’s all about control - controlling their bodily functions aligns with gaining other types of control in life according to Freud’s theory.
Related terms
Toilet Training Conflict: This refers to children learning control over their bodily functions during the anal stage which can lead to conflict between child and parent.
Anal Retentive Personality/Anal Expulsive Personality: If conflicts aren't resolved during this period it could result in an adult personality characterized by excessive tidiness/orderliness (anal retentive) or recklessness/disorderliness (anal expulsive).
Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt: Erikson’s psychosocial stage that parallels Freud’s anal stage, where toddlers learn to exercise their will and do things for themselves, or they doubt their abilities.
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